Resumen

CRUZ-LOZANO, Mario A.. Factors that affect the continued use of the production practices approved by an extension service: a case study. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2005, vol.2, n.1, pp.29-37. ISSN 1870-5472.

In this research, factors affecting the continued use of extension service approved production practices by tobacco farmers in Maryland, USA. were examined. The objectives of the study were 1) to determine if the approved production practices were followed by tobacco farmers according to recommendations in the Handbook on the Culture of Maryland Tobacco, 2) whether these practices were followed in a consistent and regular manner, 3) which factors affected the continued use of the approved practices. The handbook was found to be a key factor in promoting the use of approved production practices and improving tobacco quality in 80% of the cases. In a world where competitiveness and knowledge are key factors for agricultural development, the experience of Maryland suggests that it is possible for mexican agriculture to achieve marketing attributes, if a carefully designed production system is consistently followed by farmers and extension agents. If commercial success is to be achieved by mexican agriculture, a production system must be designed that is supported by strategies of financing, management, cost sharing, cost recovery and the participation ofproducers and technicians in improving the quantity and quality of agricultural products.

Palabras llave : Extension educational activities; handbook; production practices; farmers; tobacco; continued use.