Invention, diffusion and innovation-decision process of a machine technology : the case of farm truck ("E-Tan"), Thailand / Tawatchai Nakabut.

Thesis (Ph.D. - - Extension Education) University of the Philippines, College, Laguna.

Includes bibliographical references.

NAKABUT, TAWATCHAI. University of the Philippines at Los Banos, April, 1987. Invention, Diffusion and Innovation-decision Process of a Machine Technology: the Case of Farm Truck ("E-tan"), Thailand. Major Professor: Dr. Obdulia F. Sison

The study sought to determine the diffusion of E-tan; to describe how E-tan was invented, the process and structure of the diffusion and innovation-decision, the rate of adoption, factors that facilitated adoption, and the consequences of the diffusion and adoption.

The study was mainly conducted in three villages of Phetchabun Province. Data were gathered from the E-tan inventor, nodifier, manufacturers, dealers, repairmen, users, non-users, village headmen and government agents through personal interview using structured interview schedules. Documents also served as secondary data. Descriptive as well as statistical methods were used to analyze the data.

E-tan was invented in 1970 by a two-wheel walking tractor factory owner in Samut Prakan Province upon the suggestion of a two-wheel walking tractor dealer.

E-tan is a modified farm truck made of recycled automotive parts with a small diesel engine and transmission belts to transmit power from the engine to its clutch. The E-tan provided farmers with means of transportation, water pumping, generating electricity, threshing machine, and other forms of uses.

In a period of 17 years from its invention until 1986, E-tan has become widely used throughout Thailand except in the southern part. In the course of its diffusion, it has been modified te suit farmers' needs ance conditions.

E-tan information diffused through horizontal network through interpersonal commmication. Relatives, neighbours, and mechanics were significant sources of information. The diffusion of E-tan information was a proliferation-of-centers in which many receivers became sources and disseminators of the information. Farmers un- intentionally became change agents and local demonstrators.

An owner of wu machine shop significantly contributed to E-tan fabrication and diffusion in Phetchabun Province. About 31.00, 16.00 and 7.32 percent of the households in Potong, Bongmoonlek and Donglan, respectively, adopted E~tan in 1986. An average of 2.81, 1.41 and 0.66 percent of the households in Potong, Dongmoonlek and Donglan, respectively, adopted E-tan per year from 1976 to 1986.
The diffusion curve appeared s-shaped. Those who did not adopt E-tan said they lacked money to buy E-tan whose price averaged 41,604.35 baht.

The attributes of E-tan (relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability), interpersonal communication and nature of social system (social mobility, value on material possession, value on mechanisation, aspiration, and number of accessible credit agencies) were found to have positive and significant relationship with the rate of E-tan adoption. Interconnectedness was found to have a negative and significant relationship with the rate of E-tan adoption.

Utilization cost and maintenance cost cf F~tau were low compared to that of the pick-up. About one~half of users earned more income from hiring out E-tan. They bought more land with that income.

The diffusion and adoption of E-tan appeared to facilitate the decrease in the number of buffaloes, and to change the method of land preparation from using buffalo to using a tractor. The adoption of E-tan led to adoption of other technologies such as water pump, two-wheel walking tractors. Users and their family members positively changed their attitude toward science and technology. The agents involved in the manufacture, selling, use, and repair of E-tan also increased their knowledge and skills on machinery.

Submitted to the University Library 01/07/1994 T-1480