Participatory Use Of Force Field Analysis In Evaluating Farmers' Response To Weed Control Methods

Abstract

The necessity to control weeds in crop field is known to farmers. Farmers have their own ways of controlling weeds on their farms. They are also aware of other various weed control measures impacted through technology generation and transfer by Development and Extension Agents. However, farmers poor resource-base has not allowed for effective usage of integrated weed management recommendation pass to them through Extension Agents. Force Field Analysis (FFA) showed there are enhancers and inhibitors, which are constantly in conflict in the farmers' use of weed control strategies. The magnitude of enhancers has to be increased and that of inhibitors has to be decreased for meaningful weed control methods. The complex relationship occurring between the farmers' resources and methods of weed control can be solved by mutual understanding and cooperation between the farmers, Governmental Institutions and Private sectors working together to address the threats posed by weeds on farmers field in a participatory approach.

Keywords: Force field analysis, weed control methods

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 95-104