The development of Organic Farming Network Learning Centers for youths in Kantharawichai district, Mahasakham province, Thailand

Abstract

The organic farming network learning centers for youths was developed to investigate the needs of organic farming management in elementary schools in Kantharawichai District, Mahasarakham Province, Thailand, and to improve the attitude toward and awareness of organic farming and environmental conservation among youths. The samples consisted of 60 primary school students selected based on purposive sampling method. The research instruments were interviews, attitude questionnaire and awareness questionnaire on organic farming and environmental conservation. The research was conducted by organizing learning and training activities for youths.  It was found that 74 percent of organic farming learning centers in schools had the size of 30-50 square meters and the most appropriate ratio of students to organic farming area in schools was 1 student: 30-50 square meters. The comparative analysis of average attitude toward organic farming and environmental conservation after participating  in the activities showed that the attitude of youths was improved with the statistical significance of .05 and the comparative analysis average of awareness of organic farming and environmental conservation before and after participating in the activities indicated that the youth were more aware of organic farming and environment conservation with the statistical significance of .05.