Communication analysis of the utilization of cotton integrated pest management technology in the Philippines

Results of the study showed an interactive communication situation between and among the members of the cotton knowledge and information system. The interpersonal channel was a more popular medium of information exchange due to the deart of print and broadcast materials. However, cotton farmer-respondents identified the cotton researcher as the more accessible and credible source of information about cotton IPM [integrated pest management] technology. Twelve linkage mechanisms were carried out as part of the technology transfer process. These were farmers meetings, farmers trainings, trainings for agricultural technologies, research reviews, technology consultations, farm visit, field days and tours, market matching, loan acquisition assistance, technology verification and demonstration trials, and communication materials production. Cotton farmer-respondents had a moderate level of knowledge about the cotton IPM technology. This was significantly affected by education, language and literacy, size of cotton farm, income, indigenous knowledge of pest control, organizational affiliation and position held in the organization, mass media and interpersonal contact, and attitude towards environmental conservation. The level of cotton IPM technology use was likewise moderate. Five variables, namely, knowledge of the technology, attitude towards the technology delivery channels, acquaintance with the agricultural technologist, communication with the cotton research specialist, and organizational affiliation significantly contributed to the variation in the level of technology utilization. Likewise, the level of IPM technology utilization significantly influenced the level of seed-cotton productivity. Identified bottlenecks in dissemination of the cotton IPM technology were lack of mobility, inadequate funds for travel and training, lack of enough print materials for distribution to cotton farmers, unavailability of resources, and lack of competence about cotton production on the part of the agricultural technologist. Farmers' utilization was also constrained by inadequate information about the technology, inavailability of resources, inadequate production loan, and delayed loan releases due to untimely submission of loan requirements