The Central Luzon State University, instrumental in genetic improvement research for native goats (Capra hircus) implemented the Goat Upgrading Technology Commercialization Program in Nueva Ecija from 1993 to 1999. Revisiting the goat farmers is therefore imperative.
This study was conducted to answer the main question: how can communication variables be described, interpreted, or explained in relation to farmers’ level of utilization of upgraded goat production technology? It made use of a dualism of qualitative and quantitative research methods, but more on the former. Farmers served as the main respondents of the study, with supplementary interviews from key informants. Triangulation techniques were used in data gathering in three areas of Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Based on the findings, it can be clearly stated that communication behavior as a variable was found a vital building block technology utilization among farmers. The information about the technology flowed through a nexus of interpersonal communication mediators. From a qualitative point of view, information seeking, information sharing, communication networking with interpersonal sources, and participation in technology development programs were associated with utilization of technology.
Farmer-cooperators had high level of technology utilization, but overall, goat farmers had moderate level of technology utilization. There is still a need to sustain or increase farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and utilization levels in the study areas, because technology utilization also varies with time. The most revealing problem which limits production was animals’ health. The most common information need of farmers focused on a broad topic which encompasses care and management practices update.
One of the recommendations offered by the study was a support communication model which may find application not only in analyzing the different functions of the technology commercialization program, but could serve as a jumping board from which development professionals can proceed, analyze, or understand how knowledge or information may be promoted and eventually utilized by farmers in a given system.
