Extension Needs of Robusta Coffee Production for Farmers in Na Yong District, Trang Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study extension needs of Robusta coffee production for farmers. The population included farmers who grow Robusta coffee in Na Yong district, Trang province. Data were collected from 130 farmers who produced Robusta coffee and registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension in the production year 2021/22. Structured interviews were used for data collection. Statistics used were frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation and ranking. The results indicated the following: the farmers need to gain knowledge about Robusta coffee production at high level in terms of production quality standards (mean = 4.35), Robusta coffee product processing (mean = 4.26), and fertilization (mean = 4.01). Regarding the extension methods, farmers need to received extension of groups (mean 3.59) and field trips/work visits (mean 3.84). Therefore, relevant officials or agencies should encourage farmers to form groups to create a learning process knowledge documents regarding Robusta coffee quality standards have been prepared, processing of Robusta coffee products. Farmers were suggestions to officials on the issue that officials should took farmers to study tours to increase their experience in Robusta coffee production. And officials should go to the area to visit individual farmers to listen and solve problems related to Robusta production.