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

Pretesting materials in training and mass-media programs must be done
to secure reactions from members of the intended audience to the tone,
content, and appearance of proposed messages and materials.
Messages that arouse extreme fear attract attention, but how much they
change behaviour is not clear. Economic incentives and information
about hazardous consequences may attract interest leading to changes
in unfavourable behaviour.
Training is an important component of a communication system. The
process of training is really a process of communication with the objectives
of educating, motivating (causing attitude change and stimulating
the desire to work on a given problem), and influencing changes in
behaviour.
Program evaluation is also crucial to the development and refinement
of the programs.
Conclusion
The Thai communication system has been developed to prevent the misuse of
pesticides in agriculture. However, problems still exist. Communicators lack
communicative and persuasive skills and have limited access to audiovisual
materials. The feedback and feedforward information chains, needed to
develop communication strategies, as well as systematic program evaluation
are rarely implemented. Communication experts, researchers, training specialists,
curriculum or education development experts, and program evaluators
must join forces to develop effective communication programs for the safe
use of pesticides.
DOAE (Department of Agricultural Extension). 1985. Report of the first working
committee conference on plant protection for developing academic techniques
to prevent and eliminate pests, 16-17 June 1985. Department of Agriculture,
Bangkok, Thailand. Mimeo.
Unjitwatana, T. 1984. Responding to questions. Toxic Matter Journal, 11 (Jan-Feb),
30-33.
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