(Tables 49-54)

The data suggested the Statewide Wild Pig Damage Abatement Project is successful in transferring knowledge to landowners, but this knowledge gain appears to have little relationship with the likelihood of landowners to adopt wild pig management practices. Knowledge gained in the four areas explains very little of the variance in planned adoption of wild pig control practices. Of the four constructs, the knowledge gained regarding efficient trap/bait techniques appears to be the strongest predictor of likelihood to adopt practices. This makes sense, because this is the area where

landowners felt they gained most knowledge, and upwards of 30% of landowners plan to adopt some form of control method that involves trapping or baiting wild pigs.

Types/extent of hog damage is the next best predictor of planned adoption; however, this construct has much less impact than efficient trap/bait techniques.

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There are generally negligible to low positive correlations between knowledge gained in the four areas of interest (feral hog biology, legal control options, efficient trap/bait techniques, and types/extent of hog damage) and likelihood to adopt the wild pig management practices. This means that an increase in knowledge coincides with a small increase in the likelihood to adopt the various practices. While these correlations are not strong, they are statistically significant (p < .05).

The data reveals that marketing wild pigs falls in the middle for both frequency of use and correlation to knowledge gained. More information may need to be provided to farmers in order for them to see marketing wild pigs as a viable wild management pig practice (Hawkes, 2013; West et al., 2009). This control method may be of interest to future researchers and practitioners, as wild pigs are an abundant animal with a high reproduction rate that could contribute to minimizing hunger in under-nourished communities. Human population growth has led to a deficit in the food supply, and this gap is predicted to widen (Godfray et al., 2010; Pimentel, 2005; Nord et al., 2005). Wild pigs may be a viable option to contribute to the reduction of world hunger. Some

organizations are already investigating the possibilities of partnering with food banks and homeless shelters (Fields, 2014; Gilmore, 2014; Simmons, 2014). The Wild Pig Damage Abatement Project has proven successful in transferring knowledge [see Tables 23-41], so there may be an opportunity for the change agents associated with programs to integrate information on how to market wild pigs for not only economic gain but also as a social contribution.

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An obstacle that will have to be overcome is concern over the quality of meat produced by wild pigs and the possibility of disease transmission through the meat (Gilmore, 2014; Lawhorn, n.d; Witmer, Sanders, & Taft, 2003). In fact, meat harvested from wild pigs tends to be less fatty than domestic pig meat (Hawkes, 2013; Sales & Kotrba, 2013). Not only will researchers and program coordinators need to work with landowners to encourage them to market their trapped wild pigs, they will also have to educate the public to get domestic consumers on board with wild pigs as a food source. Rogers (2003) emphasizes the role of change agents as links between different factions; this would be an example of when change agents must demonstrate the benefits of related actions to individuals on both sides of an issue. Landowners will have to be convinced to market, and consumers will have to be convinced to purchase wild pig meat. This has not been as much of an issue for processed wild pork marketed internationally.

Scouting for wild pig sign generally had one of or the lowest correlation to knowledge gained. While some wild pig signs are conspicuous, other signs are much more difficult to discern (Pierce, 2009; “Wild pig field sign”, 2013). Landowners had already reported that loss of their time was one of the greatest negative impacts of wild pigs [See Table 1], so it is somewhat intuitive that even if they gain knowledge as to the benefits of this practice they will be unwilling to commit the extra time to combing their land for signs of wild pigs.

Using baits with scent appeal consistently linked to knowledge gain in the four areas; this practice had the highest correlation for all knowledge areas except efficient

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trap/bait techniques, where it had the second highest correlation. While using baits with scent appeal was most highly correlated to knowledge gain, it was in the middle in terms of how many landowners planned to adopt this practice. Literature shows that pre-

baiting is largely ineffective, so it could be that landowners are gaining knowledge about how this practice is not a productive use of time and resources, and as a result they are less likely to adopt it (Edalgo & Anderson, 2007).

Using larger traps was a practice that ranked at or near the bottom in terms of correlation to the four areas of knowledge gain. This is interesting because using larger traps was the most identified innovation participants planned to adopt as a result of the program [See Table 2]. Even though landowners did not perceive an increase in knowledge relatable to the use of this practice, they still intend to adopt it in their wild pig management programs.

Respondents’ previous experience could relate to prior knowledge; landowners already understand the importance of trapping, so it becomes intuitive that larger traps would increase the effectiveness of the control method. One hindrance to using larger traps is the additional setup time required to setup coral traps versus box traps. Another factor to consider is the availability of resources to increase trap size. Traps are

expensive to begin with, especially as new technology emerges (Higginbotham, 2010). A larger trap would equate to more money invested. However, Extension emphasizes the use of efficient least-cost traps and best management practices that are considerably cheaper than high technological traps (e.g., remote triggers) (B. Higginbotham, personal communication, December 2, 2015).

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Research shows that many wild pig programs have been unsuccessful due to lack of funding, clear objectives, and continuity (Campbell & Long, 2009). The Wild Pig Damage Abatement Project has been able to combat these factors, and as a result has proven to be successful in transferring knowledge to participants. Researchers and Extension educators should note that while the correlations between knowledge gained and practices planned to adopt are not strong, they are significant. Such a large sample number could result in effect size accounting for a portion of the significance. However, knowledge gained does account for some variance in planned adoption of wild pig control practices. Thus, researchers and Extension educators should investigate what other factors play a role in landowners’ decision to adopt or reject innovations related to wild pig control. Whether gender, landholding size, resources such as income, or some other factor plays a more significant role in landowners’ planned adoption of innovations could have implications on how to best address the needs of the clientele.

Currently it seems that Extension is successful in transferring knowledge and fairly successful in encouraging adoption of practices; however, these two factors seem to be operating independently of one another. It could be that current programs focus on clinical knowledge rather than practical knowledge. Knowledge regarding current research and information on how an innovation works is important and seems to be successfully transferred to the attendees. However, how to apply knowledge in specific contexts may be more useful and may encourage a stronger connection between

knowledge gain and intent to adopt wild pig management techniques. Connecting these two factors, in addition to determining what other factors are correlated to planned

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adoption, could have implications on the success of not only Extension programs, but also on wild pig management programs conducted by landowners. Previous research has shown that involving clientele in program evaluation allows them to give insight into the effectiveness of the program (Warnock, 1992). While the current survey instrument unveils valuable information, more direct questions on how to improve the program may increase the correlation between knowledge gain and likelihood to adopt management practices.