PROBLEMS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF FARMERS` TRAINING CENTERS IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, THE CASE OF ARBEGONA WOREDA, SIDAMA ZONE

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.