Effectiveness of Agricultural Training Centers’ Curriculum in Promoting Adoption of Agricultural Technologies: Evidence from Small-Scale Potato Farmers in Nyandarua County, Kenya

محورهای موضوعی : Environmental policy and management

Ronald O. Nyamwamu ¹ ( Extension Division, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 30028, Nairobi, Kenya )
Justus M. Ombati ² ( Department of Agricultural Education & Extension, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya )
John G. Mwangi ³ ( Department of Agricultural Education & Extension, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya )

تاریخ دریافت : 1392/06/11 تاریخ پذیرش : 1392/11/11 تاریخ انتشار : 1393/03/11

کلید واژه: effectiveness, Curriculum, Technology, adoption, Agricultural Training Centre,

چکیده مقاله :

Agricultural Training Centres (ATCs) promote crop and livestock development by providing extension information to farmers and serving as models of improved crop and livestock husbandry practices. Although potato farmers in Nyandarua County were trained on potato production technologies, their average yield was ≤16 tonnes per hectare compared to the national potential of 30 tonnes. This study therefore sought to determine the effectiveness of ATCs’ curriculum in promoting farmers’ adoption of selected potato production technologies in Nyandarua County in Kenya. A survey design was used. Primary data was collected from 136 farmers trained at ATCs on potato production using interview schedules. The respondents were sampled through a five-stage technique. The data was analysed using T-test and ANOVA, then summarized into percentages. Study results showed that adoption of recommended potato production technologies produced high yields compared to traditional technologies. It was therefore concluded that ATCs’ curriculum was effective in promoting farmers’ adoption of potato seed selection, planting, crop protection and harvesting technologies. It is recommended that ATCs’ curriculum prioritise demonstrations that show the influence of clean seed, fertilizer application, timely harvesting and spacing on potato yields. Further, campaigns should be held to educate farmers on the importance of potato dehaulming to promote its adoption. In addition, farmer-based seed production programs should be started in the County aimed at ensuring ready availability of seed.

چکیده انگلیسی:

Agricultural Training Centres (ATCs) promote crop and livestock development by providing extension information to farmers and serving as models of improved crop and livestock husbandry practices. Although potato farmers in Nyandarua County were trained on potato production technologies, their average yield was ≤16 tonnes per hectare compared to the national potential of 30 tonnes. This study therefore sought to determine the effectiveness of ATCs’ curriculum in promoting farmers’ adoption of selected potato production technologies in Nyandarua County in Kenya. A survey design was used. Primary data was collected from 136 farmers trained at ATCs on potato production using interview schedules. The respondents were sampled through a five-stage technique. The data was analysed using T-test and ANOVA, then summarized into percentages. Study results showed that adoption of recommended potato production technologies produced high yields compared to traditional technologies. It was therefore concluded that ATCs’ curriculum was effective in promoting farmers’ adoption of potato seed selection, planting, crop protection and harvesting technologies. It is recommended that ATCs’ curriculum prioritise demonstrations that show the influence of clean seed, fertilizer application, timely harvesting and spacing on potato yields. Further, campaigns should be held to educate farmers on the importance of potato dehaulming to promote its adoption. In addition, farmer-based seed production programs should be started in the County aimed at ensuring ready availability of seed.

منابع و مأخذ:

1- Abegunde, B.O., & Ogunsumi, L.O. (2011). Evaluationof agricultural extension and delivery servicesin South-West Nigeria. International Journal of Agriscience,1 (4), 581-591.

2- Abong, G.O., Shibairo, S.I., Kabira, N.J., & Aguk,J.A. (2012). Enhancing food security through increasedpotato production in Kenya. Retrieved fromhttp://www.plantscience.unobi.ac. ke/ node/1039on 8/7/2012.

3- Agriculture Sector Coordinating Unit. (2012). NationalAgricultural Sector Extension Policy,(NASEP). Nairobi, Kenya: Kilimo House.

4- Anderson, J.R. (2008). Agricultural advisory services:Background Paper for the World DevelopmentReport, 2008. Retrieved from siteresources. worldbank.org/.../Anderson_AdvisoryServices.pdf on21/5/2013.

5- Andriesse, W., Giller, K., Jiggins, J., Loffler, H.,Oosterveer, P., & Woodhill, J. (2007). The role ofagriculture in achieving millennium developmentGoal 1. A Review of leading Reports. WageningenInternational, Wageningen: The Netherlands. Retrievedfrom http://www.edepot.wur.nl/23281on22/7/ 2012.

6- Ayieko, M.W., & Tschirley, D. (2006). Enhancingaccess and utilization of quality seed for improvedfood security in Kenya. Tegemeo Institute of AgriculturalPolicy and Development, Egerton University.Nairobi. Working paper No. 27/2006.

7- Bohl, W.H., & Johnson, B.S. (Ed.). (2010). Commercialpotato production in North America. (2nd.Rev. ed). American Potato Journal, supplement (57).

8- Christoplos, I. (2010). Mobilising the potential ofrural and agricultural extension. The Global Forumfor Rural Advisory Services: FAO, Rome. Retrievedfrom http://www.g-fras.org/fileadmin/.../Mobilizing_the_potential_of_extension.pdf on 21 /5/ 2013.

9- Desmarais, P. (2010). Kasisi Agricultural & TrainingCentre. Retrieved from http://www.canadianjesuitinternational.ca/.../zambia_kaon17/10/2012.

10- Food Agricultural Organization of the UnitedNations. (2009). Human Wildlife Conflict in Africa-Causes, Consequences and Management Strategies.FAO Forestry Paper 157. Rome.

11- Food Agricultural Organisation. (2011). TheState of Food and Agriculture 2010-11: Women inAgriculture. Rome, FAO. Retrieved from http://www.feedtheFuture.gov/.../Clinton%20women %20and the agriculture report…pdf on 10/11/2012

12- Food Agricultural Organisation. (2012). Importanceof potato production and consumption inKenya. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/wairdocs/x5420E/x5420e04on6/7/2012.

13- Gianessi, L., & Ashley, W. (2011). Fungicidespraying is critical for increasing potato production.International Pesticide Benefits. Case Study No.48.Crop Protection Research institute. Croplife Foundation,Washington DC. Retrieved from http// www.croplifefoun dation.org.

14- Gildemacher, P.R., Demo, P., Barker, I.,Kaguongo, W., Woldegiorgis, G., Waguire, W.,Wakahiu, M., Leeuwis, C., & Struik, P. C. (2009).American Journal of Potato Research. 86:373-38. [DOI via Crossref]

15- Gildemacher, P.R. (2012). Innovations in potatoseed systems in East Africa. (Doctoral dissertation,Wageningen University, United Kingdom). Retrievedfrom http://www.edepot.wur.nl 212110.pdfon 8 /8/2012.

16- GoK. (2007). Kenya Vision 2030; A GloballyCompetitive and Prosperous Kenya. Ministry ofPlanning and National Development and the NationalEconomic and Social Council (NESC),Nairobi, Kenya: Government Printers

17- International Fund for Agricultural Development.(2010). Rural Poverty Report 2011: New Realities:New Challenges: New Opportunities forTomorrow's Generation. International Fund forAgricultural Development, Rome.

18- Isinika, A., Temu, A., Kitalyi, A., & Ngugi, D.N. (2002). Agricultural Education in Kenya and Tanzania(1968-1998). Nairobi; Kenya: Regional LandManagement Unit, (RELMA).

19- International Potato Centre (CIP). (2008). TheInternational Year of the Potato. Retrieved fromhttp:// www.cip.org/pressroom/facts_figures/ 2008_international_year of the potato.

20- Jaetzol, R., Schmidt, H., Hornetz, B., &Chisanya, C. (2006). Natural Conditions and FarmManagement Handbook of Kenya. Central Kenya,Vol. II (2nd. ed). Nairobi; Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture.

21- Jansky, S.H., Jin, L.P., Xie, K.Y., Xie, C.H., &Spooner, D.M. (2009). Potato production and breedingin China. Potato Journal. 52,57-65. [DOI via Crossref]    1007/s/11540-008-9121-2. Retrieved from www.vcru.wisc.edu/spoonerlab/pdf/Potatoes%20in% 20 China.pdf on 22/ 5/ 2013. [DOI via Crossref]

22- Kaguongo, W.P., Gildemacher, P., Demo, P.,Wagoire, W., Kinyae, P., Andrade, J., Forbes, G.,Fuglie, K., & Thiele, G. (2008). Farmer practicesand adoption of improved potato varieties in Kenyaand Uganda. Social Sciences Working Paper 2008-5. CIP, Lima, Peru.

23- Kasina, M., & Nderitu, J. H. (2010). Policy Implementationand its Economic Impact on PotatoMarketing Value chain in Kenya. KARI: Nairobi.Retrieved from http//www.kari.org/ …/pdf.

24- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2010). The2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume1. Nairobi; Kenya: Ministry of Planning andNational Development

25- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2011).Kenya Economic Survey Highlights presented duringKenya Economic Survey 2011 on 17th May 2011by Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Nairobi; Kenya.

26- Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research andAnalysis, (KIPPRA). (2009). Kenya Economic Report2009. KIPPRA. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved fromhttp:/ www.kippra.org on 22/7/2012.

27- Kipkoech, D.N., Mburu, J., Ritho, C.W.,Ng'ang'a, N.W., & Lung'aho, C. (2010). TechnicalEfficiency among Small-scale Ware Potato Producersin Kenya.

28- Kirkwyland, M., & Thomas, E. (2012). ProductionGuide for Organic Potatoes. NYS IPM publicationno. 138. New York. Retrieved from http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/organic_guide/potato.pdf. on13/ 6/2012.

29- Kiura, L. (2011). Women in agriculture. Retrievedfrom http://icar.org in/.../12-women %20IN%AGRI...PPT on 15/11/2012.

30- Kwambai, T.K. & Komen, S.K. (2012). Multinationalpartnership to promote certified potato seedProduction and Distribution in the North Rift Regionof Kenya. Retrieved from http://www.kari.org/....MULTI....pdf on 16/7/ 2012

31- Lung'aho, C., Nderitu, S.K.N., Kabira, J.N., El-Bedewy, R., Olanya, O. M., & Walingo, A. (2006).Yield Performance and Release of Four Late BlightTolerant Potato Varieties in Kenya. Journal ofAgronomy, 5, 57-61.[DOI via Crossref]    [DOI via Crossref]

32- Maguire, C., Rivera, W., Gary, A., & Pierson, M.(2011). Building the base for global food security.Agricultural Education and Training. United Statesof America: United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID).

33- Mengistu, F. T. (2009). Problems and prospectsof farmers training centers: The Case Study of Ada'aWoreda, East Shewa, Oromia Region (Masters Thesis).Available from http://www.ipms-ethiopia.org/Final Thesis

34- Ministry of Lands and Settlement, Ministry ofPlanning and National Development, United NationsCentre for Regional Development, & University ofNairobi. (2003). Nyandarua District Regional DevelopmentPlan (2001-2030). An Integrated Plan forSustainable Regional Development. Nairobi; Kenya:United Nations Centre for Regional Development,UNCRD.

35- Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Livestockand Fisheries Development. (2004). Strategyfor Revitalizing Agriculture (2004-2014). Nairobi;Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture.

36- Ministry of Agriculture. (2006). Review of theStatus of Agriculture Training Centres' Task-forceReport. Nairobi; Kenya: Unpublished.

37- Ministry of Agriculture. (2009). AgriculturalTraining Centers' 2009 Annual Report. Nairobi;Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture.

38- Ministry of Agriculture. (2010a). National Rootand Tuber Crops Policy. Nairobi; Kenya: Ministryof Agriculture.

39- Ministry of Agriculture. (2010b). AgriculturalSector Development Strategy (2010-2020). Nairobi;Kenya: Government Printers.

40- Ministry of Agriculture. (2010c). National HorticulturePolicy. Nairobi; Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture.

41- Ministry of Agriculture. (2012a). Economic Reviewof Agriculture. Prepared by the Central Planningand Monitoring Unit. Nairobi; Kenya: Ministryof Agriculture.

42- Ministry of Agriculture. (2012b). Kilimo News(Jan.-March 2012). Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture.Nairobi; Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture.Available at http://www.kilimo.go.Ke.

43- Mumero, M. (2013, November 12th). Radio: Stillthe Heartbeat of Farming. The People, online.

44- Mwakubo, S.M., Nguyo, W., Nyagaka, D. O., &Obare, G. A. (2010). Are Kenyan small-holders allocativelyefficient? Evidence from Potato Producersin Nyandarua North District. Journal of AgriculturalEconomics, 2 (3), 078-085.

45- Mwangi, J.K., Nyende, A.B., Demo, P., &Matiru, V.N. (2008). Detection of latent infection byralstonia solanacearum in potato (Solanum tuberosum)Using Stems Instead of Tubers. African Journalof Biotechnology, 7 (11), 1644-1649. Available at

46- Natumaya, D. (2008). Farmer Training IncreasesProductivity and Income in Uganda. Retrieved fromhttp://www.acdvoca.org September 2011.

47- Nyagaka, D. O., Obare, G. A., Omiti, J. M., &Nguyo, W. (2010). Technical Efficiency in ResourceUse: Evidence from Smallholder Irish Potato Farmersin Nyandarua North District, Kenya. AfricanJournal of Agricultural Research, 5 (11), 1179-1186.

48- Nyamwamu, R.O. (2013). Effectiveness of AgriculturalTraining Centers' Curriculum in PromotingSmall-scale Farmers' Adoption of Selected PotatoTechnologies in Nyandarua County, Kenya. (UnpublishedMasters' Thesis). Egerton University. Egerton,Kenya.

49- Obare, G.A., Nyagaka, D.O., Nguyo, W., &Mwakubo, S. M. (2010). Are Kenyan small-holdersallocatively efficient? Evidence from Irish PotatoProducers in Nyandarua North District. Journal ofAgricultural Economics, 2 (3), 78-85.

50- Ogola, J.B.O., Ayieko, M.W., Orawo, A.O., &Kimani, F.W. (2011). Analysis of fFertilizer use inpotato production in Nakuru district, Kenya. AfricanJournal of Agricultural Research. 6 (16), 3672-3677.

51- Ogola, J., Odette, G., & Ondego, N. (2010).Small-holder horticultural marketing programme.Draft report for Value Chain Study on Potato, Cabbageand Garden peas in Nyandarua North. Nairobi;Kenya: Unpublished.

52- Qtaishat, T., & AL-Sharafat, A. (2012). Attitudesof vegetable farmers towards public agricultural extensionservice. American Journal of Agriculturaland Biological Sciences, 7(3), 370-377.[DOI via Crossref]    2012. 370. 377.

53- Rajalahti, R., & Swanson, B.E. (2010). Strengtheningagricultural extension and avisory Systems.Procedure for Assessing, Transforming and RuralDevelopment Discussion Paper 45. The WorldBank.Washington, D.C. Retrieved from http://www.g-fras.org/.../M.../Strengthening-Agricultural-Extension-and-AS.pdfon21/5/2013.

54- Schulte-Geldemann, E., Gildemacher, P.R., &Struik, P.C. (2012). Improving seed health and seedperformance by positive selection in three Kenyanpotato varieties: A paper accepted for publication bythe American Journal of Potato Research. 13/04/2012.

55- United Nations Environmental Programme.(2008).Women Farmers' Productivity in Sub-SaharanAfrica. Retrieved from http://www.unep.org/...Agriculture/.../womenfarmers.pdf on 20/11/2012

56- Wambugu, P.W. & Muthamia, Z.K. (2009). Thestate of plant genetic resources for food and agriculturein Kenya. KARI, Kenya. Retrieved from http:/www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1500e/Kenya.pdf on6/7/2012.

57- Wang'ombe, J. G. (2008). The potato valueChain in Kenya and Uganda. Maastricht School ofManagement, Netherlands. Retrieved from http//www.roundtableafricanet/media/uploads/file/joseph%20 gichuru % wangombe-the %20 potato%20 value % 20 chain% inkenya 20 and % 20%uganda pdf on 5/7/2012.

58- Wanzala, O. (2014, February 22nd). Informationis power and farmers here know exactly that. SaturdayNation, online.

59- World Bank. (2010). A brief history of public extensionpolicies, Resources and Advisory Activitiesin Kenya: Extension and Advisory Services inKenya. Retrieved from http://www.worldwide-extension.org/africa/kenya/s-kenyaon19/5/2013.