Factors Influencing Knowledge Level of Farmers about Social Forestry

Abstract

A research study was conducted to investigate the knowledge level of participants and the factors influencing it about social forestry in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. Descriptive and diagnostic research design was used for conducting the study. One most progressive and one least progressive community block viz., Sewapuri and Chiraigaon were selected under the social forestry division, Varanasi. Fifty per cent of all villages under the selected community blocks were selected by following proportionate random sampling procedure. Finally one hundred and five participant respondents were selected based on proportionate random sampling procedure. Data collection was done by conducting personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule. The study revealed that the majority of participants had medium knowledge level about social forestry. The association of variables viz., age, education, size of land holding, annual income, social participation, economic motivation, sources of information utilized and innovation proneness was significant with the knowledge level of the respondents. The study concluded that the variables education, sources of information utilized, innovation proneness, size of land holding and social participation were important predictors in influencing the knowledge level of the participant respondents about social forestry practices. Recommendations included for taking proper steps by the enforcing agencies for ensured participation of the intended targeted beneficiaries, and encouraging people’s participation at multiple levels taking into account the mass media utilization pattern and favourable attitude of the target groups.