فهرس المقالات Extension agents

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  • صفحة الملخص
  • نص كامل
  
  1 - Borich Needs Assessment Model for Assessing Rice Post-harvest Value Addition Training Needs of Agricultural Extension Agents, Southern Region, Sierra Leone
  Philip Kamanda Masa Motaung Ernest Okorley
  The study investigated the rice post-harvest value addition competencies of Agricultural Extension Agents by the utilising the Borich Needs Assessment Model. The specific objectives sought to assess the personal characteristics of the agents, followed by their required أکثر

  The study investigated the rice post-harvest value addition competencies of Agricultural Extension Agents by the utilising the Borich Needs Assessment Model. The specific objectives sought to assess the personal characteristics of the agents, followed by their required training needs in rice post-harvest value addition. The study was done in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone which covers Bo, Bonthe, Moyamaba, and Pujehun districts. A descriptive quantitative research design that involved a survey method through a census of fifty Agricultural Extension Agents was used. Primary data were collected with a questionnaire from this population. The training needs of the agents that are required in rice post-harvest value addition technologies were analysed using the Mean Weighted Discrepancy Score (MWDS) formula of the Borich Needs Assessment model. The results were ranked and presented in tables. The results showed that the majority of the agents (84.0%) are males. Technologies such as milling paddy (MWDS=7.2769), and packaging and marketing of rice (MWDS=6.8672) ranked as the highest training needs of the agents. The study recommends an increase in the recruitment of female Agricultural Extension Agents and the provision of rice post-harvest value addition resources to improve rice quality after harvest. تفاصيل المقالة
• حرية الوصول المقاله
  • صفحة الملخص
  • نص كامل
  
  2 - Factors affecting lead farmers in facilitating conservation agriculture practices in Kalira Extension Planning Area in Ntchisi District, Malawi
  Daniel Matemba Dalo Njera
  This study explores the factors influencing Lead Farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in Malawi through the Lead Farmer Approach (LFA). LFA involves training individual farmers in smart agricultural practices, making them key agents for أکثر

  This study explores the factors influencing Lead Farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in Malawi through the Lead Farmer Approach (LFA). LFA involves training individual farmers in smart agricultural practices, making them key agents for disseminating new technologies. The research, conducted in the Ntchisi district, employs a mixed-method design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study's methodology involves surveys and focus group discussions with 394 follower farmers and 104 lead farmers. Logistic regression analysis explores factors such as age, gender, education, support from extension agents, time for farming, access to transportation, incentives, and depletion of own resources. Results indicate that access to support from extension agents, access to transportation, and depletion of own resources significantly influence the facilitation of CA practices by LFs. Lack of support or transportation acts as a hindrance, while resource depletion decreases the likelihood of considering LFA a viable approach. The study emphasises the importance of external support, transportation infrastructure, and resource availability in empowering LFs to promote CA effectively. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics influencing the success of CA practices facilitated by LFs. The study recommends targeted interventions to enhance LF capacity and suggests further research on gender dynamics in CA facilitation, especially in regions with traditional gender roles. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for government and development agencies working towards sustainable agricultural and rural development in Malawi. تفاصيل المقالة