Adoption on Rubber-based Intercropping of Farmers in Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Abstract

This research was conducted to study 1) demographic characteristics, economic data, para rubber production, knowledge on rubber - based intercropping, and 2) adoption on rubber - based intercropping of 177 farmers who had grown para rubber in Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province by using structured interview which used mixed sampling methods. The data were analyzed descriptive statistics and correlation. The result revealed that 1) farmers were male (52.5%), average age was 54.3 years, highest education level was primary school (46.3%), average household labor was 1 person and hired labors were 2 persons, average income and expenditure were 257,618.49 Baht/year and 58,256.93 Baht/year. Their average experience in rubber farming was 15.1 years. Farmers had water source for rubber-based intercropping (41.2%) with average rubber plantation area 19.9 rai, and got the average rubber yield 279.6 kg/rai/year by benefit ratios between owner and hired labor 50 : 50. Their knowledge on rubber - based intercropping was at the high level with average point at 12.47 out of 15 points. 2) They adopted rubber - based intercropping in awareness stage, interest stage, evaluation stage, trial stage, and adoption stage, respectively.