IJSRP, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2017 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]
Mohammed Seid Adem
Abstract:
In different parts of Ethiopia, even though many studies have been conducted on environment and management of natural resources, the environmental literacy level of farmers is not utterly studied and analyzed. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the environmental knowledge, attitude and awareness of farmers at Chencha Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Stratified and systematic samplings were applied to select target population. The primary data were gathered from 330 household heads by using standardized questionnaire. The analysis was undertaken by using quantitative methods [ANOVA, Tukey test, eta square, and T-test]. The study revealed that, nearly 50% of the respondents had medium level of environmental knowledge and awareness level. The statistical analysis displayed that educational status, age, & information accessibility had statistically significant influence on environmental knowledge, attitude and awareness of framers. However, respondents’ sex had no influence on their environmental behavior. Insufficient information, lack of organized training centers and poor environmental education provision were some of the constraints in improvement of environmental knowledge and behavior of farmers. Improving farmers’ environmental knowledge, attitude and awareness is vital for conservation of Ethiopia’s remaining natural resources and biodiversity. Therefore, all stakeholders must work jointly to improve the environmental behavior of farmers.