Knowledge and Attitude of Agricultural Extension Workers on Highland Natural Resources Conservation

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the knowledge and attitude of the extension workers relating to natural conservation. And also to find out some approaches to encourage the self-conscious and motivation concerning natural resource conservation and to study the appropriate technique for technology transfer in agriculture extension.

            The population of 120 samples were selected from 8 agencies in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son Provinces by using simple random sampling technique. An interview questionnaire was used for data gathering. The data was analyzed and presented in forms of frequency, percentage, mean and weight mean score.

            From research findings, it was found that agricultural extension workers’ knowledge about natural resource conservation was at high level (61.67%). The minimum point was 15, the maximum point was 30 and the average was 25.63. The attitude about natural resource conservation was also at good level (96.67%). None of them had negative attitude and the average of their attitude was 2.76. To be more knowledgeable and had better motivation, the extension workers should have training courses, field trips, moral support, clear job description, and evaluation and monitoring continuously. For technology transfer in the highland agricultural areas, the extension workers should be a person of good relation and friendly in order to be more accepted and trusted by farmers. Mass media, group leader and village organizations are effective channels for public relation. Participatory approach will be very useful for the community development, by having extension workers or government officials to support as an advisory or monitoring team. Other recommendation  ^2/Highland Coffee Research and Development Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. is to encourage the extension workers to be aware of the problems of natural resource and give full support to solve the problems. The head of organization or project should have clear understanding to working roles, take good care of the workers, give information, create moral support and give chances to initiate new projects which will be beneficial.