Impact of a Lecture-based Intervention on Knowledge and Awareness of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria as a Biological Control Measure Among Farmers in Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Abstract
Misuse and overuse of pesticides have long been a serious problem in Thailand. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) has currently been a promising environmental-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides in controlling plant diseases. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of a lecture-based intervention on farmers’ knowledge and awareness; and (2) examine the relationship between prior conditions and their knowledge and awareness of PGPR as a biological control measure. This one-group, pre-post, quasi-experimental study was conducted in Phitsanulok, Thailand. The intervention consisted of a one-day lecture/discussion and a field demonstration, with one-, three-, and six-month follow-ups. Thirty-two farmers participated in this study. The results indicated that the intervention significantly affected farmers’ knowledge. In addition, the gain of knowledge was consistent in farmers of different age, gender, educational level, and frequency of pesticide use. However, the intervention could not create a significant difference on farmers’ awareness, except a minor improvement in the awareness of pesticide harm. Changes of knowledge persisted to six months. Education was an important prior condition that determined the level of knowledge and awareness among participants. In conclusion, the lecture-based intervention had a significantly impact on farmers’ knowledge of PGPR as a biological control measure.
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