Attitude of the Hilltribe Coffee Growers towards Coffee Growing and Extension in the Highlands.

Abstract

The study aims to describe the attitude of the hilltribes towards coffee cultivation and coffee extension programme in the highlands of coffee growing and extension in the highlands. A comparative study of the hilltribes’ attitude was also included. Research Methodology : This study began in May 1986. Six coffee growing tribes were the respondents incheded Akha, Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Yao and Karen. The total of the respondents was 150 from Chiang Mai, Lanpang and Chiang Rai Provinces. Statistical methods used in this study were percentage, average ration scale and standard deviation. Research findings : Problems that caused coffee cultivation and extension progamme. It was found that coffee disease was the major problem, followed by lake of knowledge and skills of coffee cultivation coffee maintenance and care. The hiltribes considered the location of coffee plots as one of the problems because the steep slope made difficulty to manage the plot investment is also a problem. But hilltribes felt that coffee price and marketing, as well as coffee production transportation were minor problems as long as the trader and middle men could reach their villages. Attitude of hilltibes towards coffee cultivation and coffee extension programme : Research findings showed that hilltribes considered coffee cultivation knowledge and skill were very vital needs because of its intensive care. They felt that coffee can grow in the highland conditions. Although coffee price and marketing were minor problem, the investment should be considered. Hilltribes also felt that their planting material demand should be increased and the area of coffee cultivation would be expanded in the future. Regarding to the extension programme : They felt that the highland development projects were the organizations that provided good support. Their extension officers had adequate knowledge and skill to transfer to the hilltribes. They also felt that highland development projects provided a good support of agricultural supply to their coffee cultivation and facilitated them a fair coffee price and marketing assistance.