Author : Tawatchai Nakabut

Summary : The study sought to described how E-tan was invented, its process and structure of the diffusion and innovation-decision, rate of adoption and factors that facilitated its adoption, and the consequences of the diffusion and adoption. The study was conducted in three villages of Phetchabun Province. Data were gathered from the E-tan inventor, modifier, 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 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. It provides farmers with a means of transportation, and can be used for water pumping, generating electricity, and threshering. In a period of 17 years from its invention until 1986, since its invention in 1970, E-tan has become widely used throughout Thailand except in the southern part. In the course of its diffusion, it has been modified to suit farmers' needs and conditions. The E-tan technology has been diffused through interpersonal communication. Relatives, neighbors, and mechanics were significant sources of information. E-tan technology was spread through the proliferation-of-centers in which many receivers became sources and disseminators of the information.