An Evaluation of the Farmer-Training Programme in Jamaica: Opportunities for use of ICTs in training delivery and in farming activities

摘要

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Rural Agricultural Development Authority's (RADA) farmer-training programme, in order to ascertain the value to its clients. The Kirkpatrick evaluation approach was used to evaluate the training programme under four levels namely: reaction, learning, behaviour and results, guided by six evaluation questions. The sample size used in this study was n = 208 (200 farmers and eight extension specialists). Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, observations and document reviews. The findings showed that the majority of the farmers were satisfied with the training programme. More field demonstrations and an integrated model to improve the delivery of training, through the inclusion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) were needed. It was recommended that a proper evaluation system along with an integrated (ICT) model to deliver training programmes be designed, in order to enhance the value of the training programme to more rural farmers.