Challenges Faced in the Utilization of FAQs in Agriculture among Farmers in Kerala, India

Abstract

The study aimed to identify and rank the challenges faced by farmers in South Kerala in utilizing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Frequently Asked Question Solution (FAQ-S) for agricultural information. The research was carried out across five districts, viz., Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam, representing diverse agricultural practices. A total of 150 progressive farmers were randomly selected, with 30 participants from each district, based on their active involvement in agricultural programs and knowledge-sharing activities. Primary data were collected through in-person interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured schedule. Challenges were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique, which provided a comprehensive evaluation of their significance based on both mean scores and Garrett values. The findings revealed that the lack of awareness (mean=72.01 and Garrett value= 80) about FAQ-S ranked as the most critical challenge, followed by time constraints (mean=69.65 and Garrett value= 33 and insufficient trust (mean=54.56 and Garrett value= 40 in the information provided. Other significant barriers included limited content relevance, technical difficulties, language barriers, and access issues. However, despite the agricultural sector's potential, farmers in Kerala, particularly smallholders, face barriers in accessing updated and reliable information essential for improving agricultural productivity. The study concluded that targeted interventions, such as awareness campaigns, trust-building initiatives, localized content development, and improved digital literacy, are essential to enhance the effectiveness of FAQ-S. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended that if these challenges are properly addressed, it will improve information dissemination, empower farmers, and support sustainable agricultural development in Kerala.