Abstract:
Farmer training is essentially an agricultural extension education with a non-formal
function, which applies to any institution that disseminates information and advice
with the intention of promoting knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations. When
systematically and effectively provided, extension is known to enhance social and
economic development. In terms of agricultural extension systems, different
approaches can be employed to organize and implement extension activities. Each
approach may be conceived as appropriate in particular circumstances and each has
its own advantages and disadvantages. The present study evaluates the effectiveness
of KATC training approaches in improving smallholders’ irrigated rice productivity
whereby two irrigation schemes, namely, Mombo and Mwega irrigation schemes in
Korogwe and Kilosa districts respectively were selected. A cross-sectional survey
design was applied in the study. A simple structured questionnaire and interview
schedule were used in data collection from a sample of 122 respondents, which
included three categories of trained farmers and extension officers. The study
findings revealed statistical significant differences at p<0.000 between means among
the trained farmers towards their preferences to the use of KF-IF-OF extension
approach. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents 102 (94.4%)
preferred
field
training
approaches,
100
respondents
(92.6%)
preferred
demonstrations and farmer managed trials, and 99 respondents (91.7%) field and
farmers days. Since the KFs and the IFs had higher levels of adoption in 18 out of 24
innovations, the study concludes that the KF-IF-OF extension approach was effectiveiii
in dissemination and increasing the adoption of innovations within the first two
categories of KFs and IFs. Of all the 108 respondents, 88 (81.5%) indicated that the
greatest strength of the KATC training approaches was the participatory nature of all
approaches used in the training programme. However, the study results revealed that
the IFs had more weaknesses in fulfilling the training requirement than the KFs.
Generally, the study findings imply that the KF-IF-OF approach had been effective
in increasing the adoption of innovations leading to an increase in irrigated rice
yields. This study recommends that in order to deliver effective and efficient
extension services to other farmers through KF-IF-OF extension approach, the
KATC should give KFs and IFs appropriate and adequate training suitable in solving
common problems encountered in implementing their roles as farmers and as farmer
extensionists.
