EFFECTIVENESS OF SEASON LONG TRAINING OF TRAINERS THROUGH FARMERS FIELD SCHOOL ADOPTION

Leah V. Indon, Jennifer I. Guevarra, Imee D. Esguerra, Jessica Tubiano and Denvir Godoy

Abstract

An evaluation of the effectiveness of Season Long Training of Trainers (TOT) on Sustainable Rice Production (SRP) provided by ATI-Region III to 22 participants last 2012 was conducted with the aim to evaluate: (1) the TOT on SRP, and (2) the effectiveness of the TOT in terms in farmer adoption of the technology transferred through FFS. Two separate researcher-made questionnaires were used to evaluate each of the two objectives while the follow-up interviews were done to validate and probe the answers. TOT graduates were found to have above average and excellent knowledge on SRP. Only 13 out of 15 were able to complete attendace to the TOT sessions and conduct FFS. NO significant relationship was observed between demographic characteristics and their level of application of knowledge as well as between respondents’ knowledge and their application of knowledge. Respondents have above average level of morale and appreciated most the hands-on activities among all the training activities conducted. Land preparation has the highest extent of adoption of SRP practices through FFS. SRP practices and rice yield are significantly related (p = 0.000); as well as benefits gained and rice yield (p = 0.000). Farmers were highly satisfied with the number of AEWs assigned in their area. Occurrence of natural calamities, which is the main reason for application of SRP by the FFS graduates, is the same reason for their non-attendance in FFS sessions. Inverse correlation was observed between age and yield (p = 0.000) that coincides with the significant relationship noted between age and farmers practice (p = 0.024).