Inhibitors of the application of integrated pest management knowledge acquired from extension-training courses

Agricultural extension and education play a crucial role in knowledge transfer to farmers. However, extension-training systems consistently face the challenge of farmers not practically applying the knowledge learned from these courses. This study therefore aimed to identify the underlying components of the inhibitors associated with the practical application of knowledge learned in extension-training courses and the factors affecting it. The study utilized quantitative data from 146 rice farmers who had participated in extension-training courses on integrated pest management over the past 5 years.

The most important inhibitor of the practical use of knowledge learned in the courses was the inadequacy of the courses based on rice farmers' conditions, with the priority of the difficulty of the work and the complexity of implementing the learning from the training courses, which accounted for 24.07% of the variance. In addition, the lack of proper interaction among trainers, performers, and rice farmers, with the priority of the trainer's non-use of teaching aids and supplements, and the weakness in the management and quality control of courses, with the priority of teaching the content of the training course intensively, were other major inhibitors. They captured 22.13% and 16.57% of the variance, respectively. The regression analysis showed that the higher the frequency of rice farmers' attendance in extension-training courses, the fewer the inhibitors they faced in using the knowledge learned.

Based on the results, extension-training programs should be regularly evaluated to identify areas for improvement and adaptation. Feedback from farmers, trainers, and other stakeholders should be actively solicited and integrated into future program iterations. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.