Farmers Perceptions on Artificial Insemination (AI): A Mixed Method Design

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of Meranao farmers in Lanao del Sur province about reproductive biotechnology, specifically AI. A cross-sectional descriptive survey employing a mixed-method design of a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation was employed in the study involving 203 participants (farmers). The selection of the participants was based on purposive sampling and snowball techniques. Furthermore, the principle of saturation was also applied in the collection of data. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive, correlational statistics, and variance through SPSS version 16. Findings revealed that Artificial Insemination (AI) is not usually known and practice by the livestock raisers in Lanao del Sur. Most of the farmers has no knowledge about AI and it is not promoted in their municipality. Farmers adoptions of AI is influence by different factors such as their lack of knowledge resulted to some misconceptions about. However, findings also showed that they are willing to adopt AI as long as they are well educated about it. The farmers profile such as age, gender, educational attainment, livestock raise and years of experience in raising livestock significantly influence to their perceptions on AI. It is also shown that there was a significant difference on the perceptions of the farmers towards their awareness and acceptability of AI, and their perceptions about the status and prospect of AI in the province. Based on the findings, it shows that the farmers have no knowledge about AI but they are willing to be trained and adopt the technology as long as they will know about it. Farmers perceptions towards AI in terms of awareness, acceptability, status and prospects are directly influenced by their profile such as age, education, livestock raise, number of livestock and the years of experience in rearing livestock. This implies that, if they will be exposed to trainings and seminars about AI they can learn the technology and be willing to adopt. As such, this study designed a training program to educate the farmers about AI.