Evaluation of Tea Smallholders’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards the Adoption of Recommended Agricultural Practices in Tea

Tea smallholdings sector plays a major role in the tea industry of Sri Lanka. Knowledge and Attitudes of tea smallholders are identified as one of the critical factors affecting the adoption of recommended practices. This study was aimed at evaluation of existing knowledge and attitudes of tea smallholders on the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. A sample of 108 smallholders were selected and primary data were collected using a simple question paper and a questionnaire. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods were adopted to analyze data using SPSS software package. In general, the majority of tea smallholders had poor knowledge and least favorable attitudes on the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. Simultaneously, smallholder attitudes and level of knowledge were positively correlated. Exposure to tea related extension programs was identified to be the most important factor that effect both the knowledge level and attitudes of tea smallholders. At the same time, gender had a significant effect on level of knowledge whereas farmer experience is found to be a significant determinant of attitudes.