دراسة المستوى المعرفي لمزارعي الزيتون لأساليب الإدارة المتكاملة للآفات (IPM)‎ في منطقة الشيخ بدر في الساحل السوري

Abstract EN

The study investigated the level of olive growers' knowledge about integrated pest management (IPM) practices and the relationship between growers’ personal traits and their knowledge levels.

This research was carried out at Al- sheikh badr district along the Syrian coast, with a random sample of 150 olive growers in 3 villages (Abo Minkar, Breseen and Al-mrakeep.

Information was collected through personal interviews with farmers by using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study.

Data on frequencies, percentages, averages, standard deviations, in addition to correlation coefficients were used for data analysis.

Results showed that only 11% had a low knowledge level about IPM practices, 75% had a medium knowledge level, whereas 14% had a high knowledge level.

Significant relationships were found between knowledge levels and participation in extension activities, whereas insignificant relationships were found between knowledge levels and each of farmer age, family number, education, farming experience, and holding type.

Based on the findings of this research it can be concluded that extension activities need to be intensified and training programs developed to improve growers’ knowledge about the concepts and applications of IPM practices.