Extension Model for Development and Utilization of Rice Research in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) synthesize the model and utilization of rice research 2) study factors relating to the research method and utilization of rice research and 3) develop and evaluate the extension model and utilization of rice research. The research was a mixed method research which was divided into 3 steps: step 1 synthesizing rice research information from 2016-2020 with the total number of 147 projects. The sample size was done through purposive sampling method. The research results were synthesized by determining the topics of questionnaires to collect quantitative data by specifying the sample group via Taro Yamane formula with the error value of 0.05 including 133 researchers, 175 agricultural extension officers, and 232 farmers. Step 2 was extension model development for development and utilization of rice research in Thailand. Data were collected from qualitative information and focus group. The sample size of 20 people was determined by using purposive sampling method including rice experts, researchers, agricultural extension officers, and farmers. Step 3 was model evaluation. The sample size of 30 people included rice experts, researchers, agricultural extension officers, and farmers through purposive sampling method.

The results of the research found that 1) for rice research synthesis, the rice research was mostly having research objectives to study. The research production unit was an educational institute. The rice research was mostly on production technology and new knowledge creation. The knowledge transfer methods were done through publication and distribution via manuals/publication. They utilized the information academically. 2) Factors relating to the research model and the utilization of rice research consisted of 4 aspects such as (1) rice research model was a quantitative research which came from research fund resource with the objectives to research and develop. There was a research hypothesis determination, utilization of research results for work improvement, and the development of farmers and community. Literature source was done through internet system. The researcher would like to study the population and sample size were the rice species. The sample group was determined by using systematic probability sampling and nonprobability sampling methods. Tool used was a test form. Regarding the agricultural extension officers, they wanted to study the population and the sample group was farmers. The sample size was determined by using simple random sampling method and nonprobability sampling method. Tool used was questionnaires. Reliability test for equipment was being utilized. Data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis. Research distribution was mainly through personal media and electronic media. (2) The utilization of research for academic purpose, social/community purpose, and economic purpose were done to create economic security, to increase productivity, and to decrease production cost. (3) Problems in the development and the utilization of rice research were such as outdated and insufficient tools and equipment, lack of research on marketing which would connect with the research on production, lack of information system for research, difficulty in accessing the data sources, difficult presentation of the research and communication for understanding and further application. (4) For research extension and utilization of rice research regarding the knowledge aspect, they mostly need knowledge on species through personal media who were scholars. In regards to channel or media, they needed it through electronic media. The form/method of extension would be through training, field trip, and practice. 3) The extension model and utilization of rice research in country started from determining the objectives to develop rice research in response to the needs of farmers and so that farmers would be able to adapt into their daily life or to adopt it for their profession by taking the knowledge from rice research, transferring such knowledge through personal media and technology to increase the adoption process by using 6Rs principles as the framework in knowledge transfer process. The principles included research design, research advisor, rice research pattern, research method, research communications, and research target creating the benefit in economic aspect, community and society aspect, rice innovation aspect, and academic aspect. This has changed from the old way to the improvement regarding policy, rice extension work, and future academic work to adopt research and technology into real practice which will create good results in rice production, higher income for farmers, better quality of life, and ability to sustainably self-dependent.