Abstract:
The current concerted efforts of Ethiopian government for the establishment of farmers` training
centers in every peasant associations is an emerging agricultural extension strategy aiming at
developing human capital through training to enhance farmers’ knowledge and practical skills
for improving agricultural production and productivity. However, the present status and
performance of farmers` training centers and the constraints that hinder farmers` training
centers in effective functioning of modern ways of farming system have not been studied
empirically and assessed in depth for taking appropriate action in time. This study was
conducted to assess the current performance of farmers` training centers in relation to its
structure and function, to examine the community participation on farmers` training centers
based activities, to identify opportunities and constraints of farmers` training centers and to
analyze the relevance and effectiveness of farmers training center based training. The study was
based on descriptive survey design encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data and
multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select the sample. A total of 128 sample
respondents and 12 DAs working in farmers` training centers were selected. Interview schedules,
focus group discussions, key informant interviews and personal observations were conducted for
quantitative and qualitative data collection. The data were analyzed by using simple descriptive
statistics such as percentage, frequency, tables and charts. Qualitative data were analyzed
through interpretation and conceptual generalization. The findings of this study indicate that all
sample farmers training centers do not fulfilled by the necessary facilities and teaching
materials. There are social, institutional and economical problems that hinder the performances
of farmers training centers. The woreda bureau of agriculture and rural development and every
concerned stakeholder should take into consideration the institutional, social and economic
constraints affected the effective functioning of farmer training centers.
