The Application of Information Technology for Cassava Production of Farmers in Kham Thale So District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study 1) the information perception of farmers 2) the adoption of information technology for cassava production 3) the characteristics of information technology that can be adapted in production and 4) problems and suggestions of farmers regarding the adoption of information technology in production learning. It was survey research. The population of this study was 200 farmers who participated in the increasing efficiency of the cassava production project of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Kham Thale So District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The sample size of 102 respondents was determined by using the Taro Yamane formula with an error value of 0.07 and with a simple random sampling method. Data were collected by using questionnaires and were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

The study found that 1) farmers had an average experience in cassava production of 17.13 years. They generated the average income from the agricultural sector at 167,134.80 Baht/year. 2). Most farmers had ways to find knowledge from self-study and training, from agricultural extension officers, meetings, and agricultural magazines. 3) The objective of applying information technology was to increase knowledge and to receive information by using information technology through radio, television, and mobile phones. It was useful at a high level by making the fast pace in receiving news aspect and learning easier in the planting and plant selection for planting. 4)  Farmers agreed at a high level with the characteristics of information technology including user-friendly usage, learning that leads to self-practicing, useful data presentation in agricultural production, and content that aligned with needs. 5) Farmers face problems at a high level in the aspect of understanding and the accessibility of information technology for production. The suggestion included the provision of media usage training project with modern equipment.