Opinions of Agricultural Extension Officers towards Implementation of MRCF Extension System in Upper North of Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study (1) the situation of MRCF system implementation performed by agricultural extension officers (2) the opinions towards MRCF system implementation and (3) the problems, obstacles and suggestions towards MRCF system implementation. Research samples were 103 agricultural extension officers who were responsible for MRCF system in 8 provinces located upper north region. The mixed method research: Explanatory Sequential Design was used consisting of quantitative research for the first step, followed by qualitative research and data analysis result explanation respectively.  The result showed that (1) 58% of agricultural extension officers were male, at the average age of 41.16 years old. 69% of them graduated Bachelor degree (2) in general, agricultural extension officers’ opinions were at moderate level towards the practice of  MRCF agricultural extension system and at agree level towards the impacts of MRCF agricultural extension system on agriculturists, agricultural extension officers and organizations (3) agricultural extension officers’ problems and obstacles in MRCF agricultural extension system implementation were their lacks of knowledge and skills in MRCF system operation and lacks of organizations’ supports. Finally, agricultural extension officers’ suggestions were to provide the officers the training in the use of mapping and tools as well as to consecutively emphasize and support budget used in MRCF system operations.