Author : Dinampo, Ele E.

Summary : This study was an attempt to determine the Bukidnon corn farmers' awareness, level of knowledge, perceptions of the Bt corn technology and its local field testing and the reasons for such perceptions. Moreover, acceptance of the technology and as well as support for the conduct of field testing were also ascertained. Data for this study were gathered through personal interview using an interview schedule from January to February 2002. More farmers (54.44%) were aware of the Bt corn technology compared to only 108 farmers (40%) who knew about the efficacy tests of the innovation. Yet, generally there was low awareness and moderate level of knowledge among the respondents on both Bt corn technology and field testing. The chi-square test gave the following significant findings: (1) Communication factors affected the respondents' level of knowledge as well as perceptions of Bt corn technology and its local field testing; (2) There was a relationship between respondents awareness and perceptions of Bt corn technology and their awareness and perceptions of local Bt corn field testing; (3) Level of knowledge and perceptions of the respondents of Bt corn technology affected their acceptance of the technology; (4) Respondents' support for the conduct of local Bt corn field testing was only dependent on their perceptions; (5) Acceptance of the Bt corn technology influenced their support for the conduct of local Bt corn field testing.