Effect of Farmer Field School (FFS) on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Profitability of Rice Farmers (original) (raw)

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Model explains the individual's knowledge which affects attitude and consequently changes the actual practices. The study investigated the effect of the Farmer Field School (FFS) on the knowledge, attitude, practices, and profitability of rice farmers in Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines. Ninety-four participants, which included 47 FFS farmers and 47 non-FFS farmers, were randomly chosen. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics, cost and return analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that FFS farmers have a significantly higher level of knowledge than non-FFS farmers in the Palaycheck System (p-value<0.001). Additionally, FFS farmers have a significantly great extent of practice than non-FSS farmers in the Palaycheck System (p-value<0.001). Furthermore, farmers with high knowledge, positive attitude, and the great extent of practice on Palaycheck system gain more profit. Therefore, farmers should acquire more knowledge, a positive attitude, and more practice on production technologies to increase profit. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and demonstration farms should be established in multi-locations to highlight the benefits of the Palaycheck technology for widespread adoption. 1.0. Introduction Rice is the main food staple and most important commodity in the Philippines (Casinillo, 2020). According to Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA] (2018), rice production records for approximately 24% of gross value added (GVA) in the country's sector of agriculture. About two-thirds of the country's land that can be plowed are grown with rice, and it is a major source of income for many farmers (Yagos & Demayo, 2015). It contributes 45% of the population's total calorie intake on average and constitutes about 11% of the total household expenditure (PSA, 2018). However, climate change has negatively affected the country's food sector and smallholder farmers' agricultural livelihoods. This is coupled with increasing food prices and reducing investment support (Centino & Vista, 2018). In that case, these worsen the poverty and food insecurity for the poor smallholder farmers. It is worthy to note that public policies that support growth and development among financially poor, ricevulnerable communities will be key to addressing these multiple challenges (Valenzona et al., 2020).