An Evaluation of Knowledge Transfer Project: A Case of Native Chicken Raising Development in the Drought Area of Buriram Province

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge transfer project: A case study of native chicken raising development in the drought-affected areas of Buriram Province, focusing on the process of knowledge transfer, technology, and innovation to enhance the capabilities of native chicken farmers and increase the efficiency and cost-reduction of native chicken raising in the drought-affected region. The methodology involves: 1) assessing the community context and general conditions of target farmers in three communities, namely Ban Sawai So, Ban Khok Sa-At, and Ban Kaset Burana in Sakae Phrong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province, with a total of 105 participants; 2) evaluating the processes of knowledge transfer, technology, and innovation to enhance the capabilities of native chicken farmers, involving 40 participants; 3) assessing the outcomes in terms of improved efficiency and cost reduction in native chicken raising; and 4) evaluating the implementation and practices within the communities to assess the knowledge, understanding, and practical application of target farmers in utilizing the transferred knowledge for native chicken raising. The research tools include general data questionnaires, a 5-point Likert scale survey, and semi-structured interviews. The research findings indicate that the targeted community still practices traditional methods of rearing native chickens, which involve free-range farming without proper feeding and good management practices, resulting in low production yields. However, after receiving knowledge transfer on native chicken breeds, nutrition, management, and learning from successful model sources through field visits, farmers have made changes in their farming practices. They have transitioned from traditional farming methods to semi-intensive farming and have expanded their knowledge by applying it in their community. These efforts have empowered farmers to develop their own capabilities in native chicken production to generate income.