Factors affecting knowledge and behavior of farmers on using pesticide in Tha Sala Sub-District, Rhu-Ruea District, Loei Province, Thailand

Abstract

A survey was carried out to investigate the factors affecting knowledge and behavior of farmers on using of
pesticide in Tha Sala Sub-district, Rhu-Ruea District, Loei Province, Thailand. A total of 263 farmers were
randomly selected for being interviewed. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using
a linear model that considered all factors as fixed effects. Least square means for subclasses of each factor were
calculated and were compared in t-test calculation with α = 0.05. Results showed that the knowledge and behavior
of farmers was affected by their gender, education level and the kind of hired labor used on their farm (P<0.05).
Female farmers exhibited better knowledge and behavior about pesticides than the male farmers that were studied.
Farmers who had a high school level education and higher also exhibited better knowledge and behavior about
pesticides when compared with farmers who did not complete high school. In addition to this, farmers who invested
in hiring labor for their farm had exhibited better knowledge and behavior in using pesticides. Overall farmers in the
study exhibited good knowledge and behavior in using pesticides. Despite this they were still lacking in knowledge
on safety and reduction of pesticide hazard both in theory and practice. It is therefore concluded that government,
organizations and other relevant personal should focus on improving the knowledge of farmers about using
pesticides safely or how to control pests without using pesticides in order to develop sustainable agriculture in
Thailand.