Project News Volume 34

The Project held a five-day training session in Thika from 10^th to 14^th July 2023 to strengthen the skills of extension workers in Nyeri and Trans Nzoia counties, which are the 2^nd batch target counties.

For the 1st batch counties, the Project has explained the recommended 20 crops production techniques and specific production techniques for crops selected by farmer groups, during the training. On the other hand, because the focus was on techniques, it was not possible to properly explain the plan for in-field training in which extension officers teach techniques to farmers after the training, and the facilitation skills which officers will use during in-field training.

Based on the above review, and with the guidance of Mr. Koyama, short term expert, the Project modified the training program in order for farmers to confirm the quality and quantity required by the market, the Project secures time to develop in-field training plan so that the necessary techniques could be taught at the appropriate time during in-field training. The necessary techniques for each farmer group were (1) techniques that were not adopted during the baseline survey, (2) techniques that are particularly important for the production of selected crops, and (3) techniques necessary for farmer groups which extension officers identify.

Regarding facilitation skills, in addition to lectures explaining essential points, the Project invited extension officers to the training, who are active in other counties and they shared their experience. Furthermore, in order to promote agricultural extension using tablets, the Project introduced agriculture-related Websites, Apps, Video clips, etc., and participants practiced using this information, and also learned how to submit the in-field training reports online.

Although it was a big change in the program, the Project was able to implement the training smoothly since from the preparatory stage, the Project discussed and prepared with our counterparts deliberately. The training was well-received by the participants, who said that because there was a lot of group work and exercises, they were able to concentrate and participate in the training until the end.

Next, extension officers who participated in this training will carry out in field training to farmers.