Study of Factors Influencing on Orchard Farming Participants,s Knowledge, Attitude, Skill and Aspiration (KASA) of Dalahoo County in Integrated Pest Management Program

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was introduced as an appropriate environmental strategy to control pest population. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to determine factors influencing knowledge, attitude, skills, and aspirations (KASA) among a sample of orchard farmers participating in IPM training in farmer field school (FFS). From a total of 130 participants, 97 orchard farmers were randomly selected of sample size. A researcher-made questionnaire was designed using literature review and informal interview with FFS participants outside the population. A panel of experts approved the content validity of research instrument. An alpha level of 0.86 showed sufficient reliability of the questionnaire. Results of step-wise regression analysis revealed that participating in FFS, farming experience, yield, trust, and social status affected orchard farmers’ IPM knowledge. Moreover, farmers’ attitude towards IPM was influenced by knowledge diffusion, creativity, and access to horticultural equipment. In addition, knowledge diffusion, yield, membership in farmer cooperatives, and being creative affected orchard farmers’ skills in IPM. Finally, Job satisfaction, age, and knowledge diffusion influenced farmers’ aspirations in IPM. The result of this study has implications for IPM-FFS policy-makers. Developing FFS sites actors the province, conducting orientation classes in IPM for contact farmers, and extending financial support to IPM is recommended.