Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

is one of principal agencies responsible for disseminating agricultural knowledge
to farmers. Recognizing that many problems result from the use of
agropesticides, the Department is cooperating with the Department of Agriculture
and the Shell Company of Thailand Limited. In 1984, they launched a
campaign called "Promoting safe use of agropesticides among farmers" in
eight provinces in the western part of Thailand where large quantities of
vegetables and cash crops are cultivated.
About 74% of the people of Thailand earn their living through agriculture.
However, the number of agricultural extension officials is small and information
on agropesticides and new technology does not reach most farmers.
Education programs
Thailand has developed many training programs to educate and motivate
farmers and to prompt changes in attitudes and behaviour. The Plant Protection
Service Division of DOAE established plant protection service units
whose prime objective is to provide training. Personnel in its subunits receive
training from the larger unit, then relay information to farmers.
Most training is based upon a traditional classroom situation. Trainers use
texts and other printed materials. Electronic audiovisual aids are seldom used,
because of the poor quality of such materials in Thailand and the scarcity of
equipment and electricity in rural areas.
However, some programs have successfully used vans equipped with audiovisual
materials. Training teams travel to rural areas to train a group of trainers
who, in turn, train other local people using the inexpensive training materials
left behind. The local trainer serves to reinforce the message and make it
specific and understandable to the trainees, often through group discussion.
This approach substantially changes the role of the trainer and requires
different skills. Knowledge of communications theory and audience research
can be helpful in acquiring such skills.
Using low-cost materials such as flip charts and simple visual identification
cards can be effective with illiterate trainees. Research can be helpful in
designing simple communication aids.
The problems of communication
Government policy has emphasized accelerated development of
impoverished areas. This has already mobilized most of the agricultural
officials in the approximately 6 000 subdistricts in 27 provinces. Uneven
distribution of human resources in the government sector results in inequitable
educational opportunities for some farmers. Moreover, farmers who live
far from the local information sources or from the offices of the agricultural
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