Farmers knowledge level and training needs toward the production and conservation of medicinal herbal plants in Jordan

摘要

The main purpose of the study is to determine farmer's awareness and training needs towards the production of Medicinal and Herbal (M/H) plants in Jordan. A survey questionnaire described the personal characteristics of M/H farmers with sample size population of 209. Results showed the majority of farmers grow thyme, sage, and mint which is a popular M/H plant grown in Jordan. A majority of farmers, 71%, feel that there is a high need for a proper legislation for conserving M/H plants in Jordan. The majority of illiterate farmers 0.89%, indicated a very high need for awareness programs about conservation and production of M/H plants. On the other hand, the majority of farmers with university degree believe that M/H plants should be conserved in their natural habitat and should be protected by legislations. Female farmers, 50%, displayed a sense of awareness than the males as regards various methods of drying. Also, the females, 42%, do not know much about implementing? the irrigation system in their fields and 43% are not aware of the maintenance of the irrigation system. The study indicates the priorities of the following needed training courses: Marketing, Pest and disease management, Harvesting and post-harvesting techniques, Irrigation design and maintenance, Fertilizer application, Soil sterilization, Planting methods, Weed control, and Soil preparation. This study is considered as the first in Jordan that describes M/H plants farmers and their priority training needs.