Needs for Agricultural Extension of Rubber Farmers in Han Pho Subdistrict, Khao Chaison District, Phatthalung Province

Abstract

           The main objective of this research was to study needs for agricultural extension of rubber farmers and factors associated with needs for agricultural extension of rubber farmers.The Sample size was calculated using the Krejcie & Morgan formula consisted of 314 farmers in Han Pho Subdistrict, Khao Chaison District, Phatthalung Province. Data were collected by using questionnaires and accidental sampling . Data analysis used Descriptive statistics and Enter multiple regression analysis.

The results found that the overall needs for agricultural extension of rubber farmers in all 8 aspects was at the highest level (x̅=4.56). The highest level of need was in knowledge aspect  about processing to add value to rubber. Factors associated with needs for agricultural extension of  rubber farmers found that there were 4 factors statistically significant at p-value <  0.05 as follows: 1) experience in rubber growing had  a negative relationship with needs for agricultural extension of rubber farmers; 2) receiving agricultural information from fellow farmers; 3) receiving agricultural information from extension officers; and 4) receiving agricultural information from social media had a positive relationship with needs for agricultural extension of rubber farmers. The findings of this study provided as a guideline for developing agricultural extension programs that meet the specific needs of farmers by focusing on knowledge dissemination in rubber processing. Utilizing social media, extension officers, and farmer networks to share information can enhance accessibility to target groups. Additionally, tailoring extension approaches to better suit experienced farmers may further increase the effectiveness of these