Factors Associated with the Adoption of Sericulture Technology among the Farm Women

Abstract

A survey of 154 farm women in 16 provinces of the northeastern region revealed that factors affecting the adoption of sericulture technology were: 1) some characteristics of farm women included age and economical status, 2) communication of technology; farmers needed technological news concerning their occupation from different sources of information, silkworm rearing training and visiting, group member of farmer 's organization, 3) characteristics of sericulture technology adoption, including appropriate methods for the locality, less production investment, quick return and higher income, and 4) level of knowledge gained in sericulture technology; to conclude, the low adoption rate was due mainly to the complex nature of the technology and lack of perceived usefulness of the technology. The respondents also requested for demonstrations of appropriate techniques. They expressed their need to be better informed and an opportunity to visit successful sericulture farms, as well as a special training program and marketing assistance and supervision. The results of the study indicated that the socio-economic status of an individual might have some effects on behavioral difference which further influence their decision to adoption sericulture technology. Based on the existing problems in sericulture cultural practice, it is recommended that the government play a very important role in giving more support and help to sericulture. Recommendations from this research were: 1) the government supply more basic production input for farming such as irrigation system, reasonable prices of recommended varieties (mulberry, silkworm), quality and price control of fertilizer and chemical, 2) provide technology transfer through personal channel, 3) encourage the organization of occupation group to gain advantages on savings and marketing; 4) reduce political influences and provides sufficient research budget on increasing effective technology transfer to farmers for better technology adoption. Finally, the wide economical impact on regional sericulture system should not hide some remaining problems such as effect on decreasing of mulberry field. Research and development efforts remains to be continued.