The Influence of Knowledge Gained and the Likelihood of Recommending Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service on the Planned Adoption of Wild Pig Control Techniques

Abstract

Wild pigs are an exotic invasive species in Texas that cause severe economical and ecological damage. Educational programs have been conducted to disseminate best practice management plans in order to mitigate the growth and damage of this species. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge gained and plans to adopt practices for wild pig control in the framework of Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovations, Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, and Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy. Data collected from the Statewide Wild Pig Damage Abatement Pilot Project, conducted from 2006-2014, were analyzed. Pastures and owner or employee time are the areas of most concern to landowners who attended a program. The technique most used prior to the program was trapping and destroying. Data suggested that all regions experienced overall reductions in loss as a result of participating in an Extension program. Landowners felt Extension programs were successful at transmitting knowledge in four areas. Landowners indicated they were most likely to adopt methods related to trapping. Extension programs reported a high Net Promoter Score, with more individuals willing to recommend Extension than not. The data suggested the Statewide Wild Pig Damage Abatement Project is successful in transferring knowledge to landowners, and this knowledge appears to have a positive effect on the likelihood of landowners to adopt wild pig management practices. The constructs that were the best predictors of likelihood to adopt control practices were efficient trap/bait techniques and total number of control methods used.