Development and Validation of a Knowledge Test for Assessing Dryland Farmers' Understanding of Redgram (Cajanus cajan L.) Cultivation

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of dryland farmers regarding critical interventions in redgram cultivation. Utilizing a structured and standardized knowledge test, the research sought to measure the understanding and practices among farmers in relation to key agronomic practices. The test was constructed with 45 items sourced from various agricultural recommendations and research publications, focusing on areas such as soil management, pest control, and crop rotation. Following a pre-test and item analysis, the final test comprised 28 questions in different formats (multiple choice, true/false, yes/no). The difficulty and discrimination indices were used to select items that were neither too simple nor overly challenging, ensuring that they could effectively differentiate between well-informed and less-informed respondents. The reliability of the test was confirmed with a high correlation coefficient of 0.83 using the split-half method. The content validity was also established, demonstrating that the test accurately measured the intended knowledge aspects. The results revealed that 60% of the farmers had a medium level of knowledge about redgram cultivation, 20.83% had high knowledge levels, while 19.17% possessed low knowledge. These findings highlight that a majority of farmers are moderately informed, likely due to their practical experience and exposure to agricultural information sources, especially in light of the frequent droughts that challenge their farming practices. Farmers with medium to high levels of knowledge are better equipped to implement effective agricultural interventions, which can help mitigate crop losses. The study underscores the need for targeted extension services and educational programs to further enhance the knowledge base of dryland farmers. By focusing on critical interventions, agricultural productivity and sustainability in dryland areas can be significantly improved, leading to better crop management and increased resilience against adverse climatic conditions.