Constructing a Cumulative Attitude Scale for Scientific Goat Farming Using the Guttman's Cornell Method

This study developed a scale to assess farmers’ attitudes towards scientific goat farming using the Cornell Technique of the Guttman Scale. Farmers’ attitudes have important function in determining their adoption of new farming practices, thereby influencing productivity, sustainability, and overall farm success The research aimed to create a reliable and valid tool to measure various dimensions of farmers’ attitudes towards goat farming, namely livelihood security, nutrition security, technical aspects, managerial aspects, social recognition, and income. The study involved identifying relevant dimensions, collecting and editing items, and conducting item analysis using the Cornell Technique. A total of 52 statements were analysed, with 40 retained after ensuring a reproducibility coefficient of 0.85 or higher. The scale demonstrated a reproducibility coefficient of 0.93, indicating high accuracy in reflecting farmers’ attitudes. The scale's reliability and validity were established using split-half techniques, Cronbach's alpha, and evaluations of content validity. The final 40- item scale can be administered using a five-point continuum that ranges from a strongly negative to a strongly positive attitude. The developed tool provides important insights that aid in promoting the adoption of scientific goat farming practices, which are critical for improving farm productivity and ensuring sustainability.