ความต้องการส่งเสริมความรู้ด้านการผลิตมันสำปะหลังของเกษตรกรในอำเภอภูวง จังหวัดอัตตะปือ สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the personal, economic, social characteristics and certain cassava production conditions of cassava farmers in Phouvong District, Attapeu Province, Lao PDR; 2) to analyze the needs and factors related to farmers' needs for knowledge promotion in cassava production; and 3) to study the problems and suggestions in cassava production of farmers in Phouvong District, Attapeu Province, Lao PDR. The population consisted of 263 cassava farmers from 5 villages in Phouvong District, Attapeu Province, Lao PDR. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's formula with a 0.05 error level, resulting in a sample of 159 farmers. Data were collected using interviews. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, and inferential statistics, specifically multiple regression analysis using the Enter method. The research findings show that the majority of farmers are male, with an average age of 42.84 years, having completed primary education. The average household size is 5.52 members, with an average of 3.88 working members. The average annual household income from agriculture is 19 million kip and 11 million kip from non-agricultural sources. Most farmers (91.82%) use their own capital for cassava production, and the majority (86.97%) is debt-free. For those with debt, the average outstanding balance is 5.68 million kip. A large proportion of farmers (91.19%) do not contact district agricultural officers, and almost all (99.40%) receive production information from neighbors and relatives, with an average of 1.64 information sources. In the 2022 production year, the average cultivation area was 1.04 hectares, yielding an average of 5 tons per hectare. Most cassava producers (71.07) find the production technology very complicated. Additionally, (84.27%) of farmers had a moderate level of knowledge and understanding of cassava production principles. The farmers' knowledge needs are at a high level (X ̅=2.30), with 4 main areas of highest demand: purchasing sources and prices (X ̅=2.52), varieties and land preparation (X ̅=2.42), Caring for cassava (X ̅=2.42), and harvesting and post-harvest management (X ̅=2.36). The demand for knowledge transfer through promotional methods is at a moderate level (X ̅=2.22). The most desired methods are: (1) Individual approach: farmers want staff to visit and provide on-site advice (X ̅=2.68) and transfer knowledge through model farmers (X ̅=2.51); (2) Group approach: farmers want training sessions (X ̅=2.42); (3) Mass approach: farmers desire manuals/ brochures (X ̅=2.59) and instructional documents (X ̅=2.53). The analysis of factors related to farmers' demand for knowledge promotion in cassava production revealed that among all independent variables, four variables were significant. The number of knowledge sources and gender had a positive relationship with the dependent variable at a statistically significant level. Conversely, experience and knowledge had a negative relationship with the dependent variable at a statistically significant level. Farmers face major production challenges, including: lack of advisory staff (84.90%), low crop prices and middlemen issues (76.10%), drought problems (71.07%), soil degradation leading to low yields (69.18%), harvesting difficulties (60.38%), and pest and disease problems (56.60%). Farmers' recommendations include: requesting field visits from advisory staff for consultation (79.87%), support for stable crop prices (77.99%), and production input support (37.11%) Recommendations from the results of this research: Farmers should study and learn additional techniques from experienced individuals, while also contacting agricultural officers or local group leaders for advice on cassava production. Furthermore, relevant agencies should support the formation of farmer groups to facilitate access to production inputs, training, and easier access to government information. They should also provide support for production factors through low-interest loan or installment programs, enabling farmers to access technology more easily. The focus should be on knowledge transfer through representatives of leading farmer groups to promote learning.