Author: Pochanat Ratanawichai
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-94-10
Year: 1994
Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology
Examination Committee: Karl E. Weber (Chairperson); Hiran. D. Dias, Harvey Demaine (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: To analyze the likelihood of the spatia l diffusion of innovations among a hill tribe population, fact ors determining the farmers’ reactions are investigated. Questionnaire survey covering 120 h ousehold h eads a nd observations generated the data base. The stage of the adoption process reached was only at the awareness of few innovations, tea plantation and contour farmi n g. Personal communication through relatives is the only effective means to raise awareness. Inadequate information abou t innovations , tradition oriented social system, poor marketing, low investment, continuation of poppy cultivation and low degree of maintaining con tacts with outsiders are the major barriers which expla in non adoption of innovations. Recomme nda tions drawn up for highland development planning emphasi ze proper means of communication to strengthen each step of the adoption process, comp leme nte d b y improv ing the q ualit y of human resources through non-agricultural tra ining and non-formal education programs. To promote the diffusion and adoptfon of innovations, hill tribe people s ho uld be assisted through s ubsidized inputs and better marketing, with simultaneous eradication of poppy cultivation. Further research should focus on factors affecting the adoption of innovations by members of various ethnic hill tribe groups and on the s uccessful spill-over of development proj ects into adjacent areas.
Scholarship Donor(s): Canadian International Development Agency
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science
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