Radio Broadcasts and Adoption of EPM Technologies in Infanta Quezon: An Evaluation Study

Abstract

This is an evaluation study on the Radio Broadcasts and Adoption of EPM Technologies on Infanta, Quezon. It focused on the following problems: how effective was it in influencing farmers to adopt EPM? Did the farmers really listen? What portion created lasting impact among listeners? Which EPM technology created the greatest impact? Would the farmers want another program of similar kind? The general objective of the study was to evaluate the role of the LKP radio program in the adaptation of EPM technologies in Infanta, Quezon. Specifically, it aimed to determine the listenership of LKP radio program; to identify portions in the program most preferred by the farmer listeners; to determine which among the EPM technologies discussed created the greatest impact; to determine the extent of the role of the radio program in convincing farmers to adopt the EPM technologies; and provide policy recommendations in the use of radio as medium in disseminating information on farming and farming technologies. This study used the descriptive survey method. Primary data were gathered from personal interviews using a pre-tested interview schedule. This study involved farmer-graduates of EPM FFS. This study used frequency counts and percentages for data analysis. It also used the tabular method of presenting results.

Based from the results, it was noted that fifty-six respondents were EPM graduates, while 10 were not. Fifty-four percent of the respondents listened to the “Likas-kayang Pamumuhay” radio program, while the rest were not regular listeners. Majority of the respondents said that they listened to the program to get additional information and to increase their knowledge in agriculture. Among the topics they remembered in the radio program were: EPM, effects of pesticides, fertilization, and insect identification. Forty of the respondents mostly preferred the “sharing” segment of the program. Thirty-six of them admitted that they have adopted the farming technologies they heard on the radio. Seventy-two percent of them noted that agricultural trainings also influenced/convinced them to adopt a particular practice. The respondents cited that the agricultural information they heard in the radio program was useful to them. They said that the program was effective in pest management, it has a component of actual learning in the field, it has helped them reduce their production costs and it has influenced their decisions in farming, and it was able to share alternative farming strategies and livelihoods. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents were able to get an increased yield. The “Likas-kayang Pamumuhay” radio program was able to help its farmer-listeners adopt the EPM technologies they had introduced. The listeners preferred the sharing/discussion segment of the program, which reflects the need for additional information or knowledge of farmers. Respondents claimed that the farming technologies they have adopted from the EPM training and the radio program were the organic fertilization, pest and water management, proper values of life and good decision-making. The radio program provides a complementary role in the adoption of EPM technologies to its farmer-listeners. However, for non-EPM graduates, it provided additional information or knowledge on agricultural technologies. The sharing and discussion segment of the radio program helped them be convinced that what they are sharing in the program are viable alternatives to their current farming practices.

Recommendations of this study include the organization of another team for the re-launching of the “Likas-kayang Pamumuhay” radio program. This should be coordinated with the BUKID famers’ organization who can share their expertise on agriculture. There should also be detailed study on the economic impact of the radio program on the farmers themselves. This will help policy makers and program planners design a program for the development of agriculture and the rural farmers. The radio program can be a potential partner of the community in its development. The program can link with other institutions and organizations which can help establish a “one-stop shop” of agricultural knowledge and information to help solve the problems of the rural farmers within the each of the radio station.