| Abstract |
The purposes of this study were to assess the participation level of cereal farmers in agricultural extension services in Bhutan and to examine the factors affecting their participation. Data were collected by interviewing 251 farmers with a random sampling method from eight Gewogs selected from four districts, consisting of west, north, south and east regions of Bhutan. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze socio-economic characteristics and the participation level in extension services of farmers. In addition, Chi-square statistics was used to analyze factors influencing level of farmers’ participation in extension services. The result found that the participation in extension services of cereal farmers was generally low in Bhutan, with most accessing services through home visits, training, and mobile phone communication. The analysis of socio-economic factors found that several factors influenced the participation of farmers in various extension service methods. In particular, the district in which the farmers lived had a significant relationship on their participation in home visits, group discussions, and mobile phone communication. Age was also found to be a significant factor in participation in home visits, mobile phone communication, and demonstrations. The total cultivated land owned by the farmers was significantly related to their participation in home visits, group discussions, and demonstrations. Gender was significantly related to farmers' participation in information sharing through TV or radio, while education level was related to participation in study tours. Lastly, changing in production costs was found to affect farmers' participation in training. Based on these findings, it is suggested that agricultural extension service methods should be customized to meet the specific needs of farmers based on their socio-economic contexts. |
Publication
Journal Publication
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