Communication structure among farmers and agents and farmers adoption of agroforestry practices in Barangay [village] Patrocenio, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
2005
Yabut, M.D.N., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines)
Communication networks of agroforestry extension agents and farmer adopters were mapped and analyzed as to how these promoted, disseminated and were associated with the farmers' adoption or modification of agroforestry practices. Thirty-five agroforestry farmers, later classified as adopters or modifiers and three extension agents were interviewed, while focus group discussion was conducted with key informants. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to measure the spatial distance of the network members. The general communication network and the agroforestry information-communication network were generated using UCINET 6.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chisquare analysis. The communication network variable spatial distance was significantly different between the adopters and modifiers of agroforestry practices, while communication value and individual connectedness were not significantly different between the two groups. The reciprocated links of the three extension agents were not significantly different. Gatekeepers and agroforestry information sources linked the extension agents to the other farmers using their social networks in disseminating agroforestry-related information. The communication structure among farmers and extension agents 'facilitated' the farmer's adoption or modification of agroforestry practices. Constant interaction between extension agents and farmers not only assured a steady exchange of information but also created rapport and a relationship that influenced behavioral change.
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