Extension and Development of Agricultural Learning Centers in Thalang District, Phuket Province.

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) general information of the agricultural learning center committees 2) knowledge and knowledge resources of the agricultural learning center committees 3) satisfaction on agricultural production efficiency of the agricultural learning center committees 4) problems and suggestions in the operation of the agricultural learning center committees 5) the receiving and needs for the extension and development of the agricultural learning center and 6) the analysis of the extension and development guidelines of the agricultural learning center

The research was survey research. The population of this study were agricultural learning center committees in Thalang District, Phuket Province. Totaling 158 people The sample size of 114 people was determined by using Taro Yamane formula with the error value of 0.05 through simple random sampling method. Data were collected by using interview forms and were analyzed by using statistics such as frequency, percentage, minimum value, maximum value, mean, standard deviation, ranking, and content analysis.

The results of the research revealed that 1) the committees of the agricultural learning center (ALC) were male with the average age of 52.88 years Completed primary school education. Average farming experience: 17.37 years training with the ALC average 8.55 times the services of the ALC average 15.84 times Served as a committee member for an average of 6.91 years. Were village agricultural volunteers , the main product of ALC is fertilizer based on soil analysis The main course is cost reduction. The compulsory course is Sufficiency Economy. The supplementary course is Farmer Organization. 2.) The knowledge of the committee has average score 18.39 points, which is at the highest level. The knowledge sources In terms of personal media at a moderate level. 3.) Satisfaction of the committee , for the operation and use of the services of the ALC is at a high level. 4.) The problems in the operation regarding Model farmers, Learning plots, Learning courses, Learning bases, The service of the ALC are at a high level. The ALC is at a medium level. 5) the receiving for the extension and development of the agricultural learning center In terms of components, media personnel, media and promotion methods are at a moderate level. the needs for the extension and development of the agricultural learning center In terms of components and personal media, it is at the highest level. In terms of media and promotion methods, it is at a high level. and 6) the analysis of the extension and development guidelines of the agricultural learning center is Developing the components to be ready, appropriate and in line with the needs according to the context of the area, developing the potential of personal media, connecting new generation farmers to become members and integrating with network agencies.