Factors Affecting Farmers' Extension Needs in Quality Cassava Stalk Production in Wang Chaphlu Subdistrict Khanu Woralaksaburi District, Kamphaeng Phet Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study (1) the basic socio-economic conditions of farmers, (2) factors affecting farmers' extension needs in quality cassava stalk production and (3) problems and suggestions for quality cassava stalk production. The population consisted of 325 cassava production farmers in Wang Chaphlu subdistrict, Khanu Woralaksaburi district, Kamphaeng Phet province, who were registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension for the production year 2022/2023. The sample size of 180 individuals was determined using Taro Yamane's formula with an error value of 0.05, employing the simple random sampling method. Data were collected by conducting interviews. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The research results revealed that (1) most of the farmers were men and the mean age was 50.06 years, with an average of 2.36 household workers. The net income generated from selling cassavas was 7,047.22 baht per rai on the average, with the average cost of 3,771.11 baht per rai. (2) factors affecting farmers' extension needs in quality cassava stalk production included production problem variables and variables related to support and services. These factors exhibited a positive effect on dependent variables with a statistical significance level of 0.01. And (3) the overall problem of farmers was at a high level, especially the production, support and services. Therefore, officials should support knowledge in about the cassava stalk production and product price guarantee.