Factors Affecting Farmer’s Extension Needs of Maize Production for Farmers in Nakhonthai District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This research aims to study: 1) the social and economic conditions of the farmers, 2) The needs for support in maize production, and 3) the factors affecting farmer’s extension needs of maize production for farmers. The population for this study consists of maize farmers in Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, who were registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension in 2023, totaling 3,673 individuals. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula with a .05 of error, resulting in a sample of 361 individuals selected randomly through a simple lottery method. The data collection tool was an interview questionnaire, which had a reliability value of 0.872. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentages, minimum and maximum values, mean, standard deviation, ranking, and multiple regression analysis. The farmers, 57.8% were female, with an average age of 53.74 years and an average of 17.84 years of experience in maize farming. On average, they attended 0.79 training sessions per year on maize farming. The average land area under cultivation was 19.40 rai. The farmers’ overall demand for support was at a moderate level  (mean = 3.34). When considering each aspect, the farmers expressed the greatest needs for support in two areas: care and maintenance (mean = 3.73) and production costs (mean = 3.67). The farmers' extension needs of maize production centers around knowledge in care and maintenance and managing production costs. The factors affecting their extension needs are age and farming experience. As farmers grow older and gain more experience, their extension needs of maize production increases.