Item

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the agro-well farmer training programme in Sri Lanka

Mahindapala, Ramanayake P.
Date
1997
Type
Thesis
Fields of Research
Abstract
A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the two-day training programmes conducted by the In-service Training Institute for farmers under the Agro-well project in the Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the adoption level of eight recommended farming practices taught in the training programme and to examine information-seeking behaviour. Fifty-three trained farmers and 27 non-trained farmers were selected for the study. Twenty-one matched pairs were used to compare the adoption level of recommended practices and information-seeking. All farmers were used to study the other objectives that included: information-seeking behaviour, farmers' knowledge, reasons for not adopting, reactions to the training and influence of farm wives on the technology adoption. The results of the matched pair comparisons showed that training had a significant effect on adoption of recommended farming practices but had no effect on information-seeking behaviour. The training effect was confined to only three practices (land development, irrigation, and pest management) and these were perceived by the trained farmers as the most important practices taught in the training programme. Generally, the overall adoption level of all farming practices was low for both trained and non-trained farmers. Reasons for not adopting were examined. Agro-well farmers sought information from other agro-well farmers, extension agents, and radio. Farm wives contributed to farming activities and had an influential role in adopting certain techniques, including some that are not recommended. A number of suggestions for improving farmer education for the purpose of promoting adoption of neglected aspects of the recommended practices are proposed.
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