Preferences of a Traditional Extension Audience for Self-Directed Delivery Methods
Allen E. Caldwell
John G. Richardson
Nearly all farmers of burley in the mountains of North Carolina are small or part-time growers who have limited time for seeking information. While they may have a desire for accurate, user-friendly, and timely information, their willingness or opportunity to obtain information on a face-to-face basis with extension agents, or to attend meetings, is limited. This research sought to determine the feasibility of selected non-face-to-face delivery methods to meet the informational needs of burley growers for controlling three insect pests. These delivery methods included (1) fact sheets; (2) fact sheets plus audiocassette; and (3) the bulletin/pamphlet, AG-400 Scouting Tobacco. The major findings demonstrated that most of the farmers preferred the combination of the fact sheets and audiocassette. Age, education level, size of farming operation, or number of information sources generally had no influence on the farmer's preferences. Knowledge gained by the farmers increased substantially via the self-directed learning methods.
Only abstracts are currently available online for issues of the Journal published during 1995. For information on obtaining print copies of the Journal check out our subscription information.