Effect of Cricket Culture Training on Trainees’ Knowledge, at Chiang Klang District, Nan Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the trainees' knowledge participating in cricket raising training, 2) compare the trainees' knowledge of cricket raising before and after training, and 3) explore the problems and suggestions from the trainees. Data were collected through questionnaires from a sample group of 70 participants in cricket culture training in March 2019 in Chiang Klang district, Nan province. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, and paired t - test. The study results showed that most of the trainees were female aged between 31 - 45  years old, with primary education. They were farmers, and most of them raised house cricket species. The trainees had 10 crickets cultured ponds and 3 - 5 years of experience in cricket raising. Most trainees were trained in cricket raising the first time and received knowledge and support from the district agricultural office. Hypothesis testing results showed that the trainees' knowledge level of cricket culture after training was higher than before. After training, the overall score of trainees was significantly different from before training at 0.05. The trainees' problems indicated that the trainees did not have the knowledge and new techniques in cricket culture management, crickets had diseases and pests, cricket eggs did not hatch, and crickets grew in different stages and became smaller which caused the reduction of the number of crickets. Besides, there were increasing cricket feed costs and cricket price was controlled by the middleman. Regarding suggestions, related agencies should support management and disease prevention in cricket culture. Including a group being formed to provide inexpensive inputs to its members. Cricket price insurance schemes should also be provided for the group members or trainees.