Performance of Farmers Training Centers in South Wollo Zone: with Special Reference to Kalu Woreda, Amhara Regional State

Abstract

One of the major obstacles to the rapid development of the Agricultural sector in Ethiopia is the scarcity of skilled and experienced labor. Realizing the importance of educating and training the rural community, the government has formulated rural development policies and strategies. Currently, Farmers Training Centres are designed to provide services of extension, trainings, demonstration, information, advice, etc at grassroots level. However, the operational performance of FTCs and the constraints that hamper them in implementing their mandatory roles are not assessed through empirical studies to take proper action. The objective of this study was to assess the operational performance of FTCs in South Wollo Zone with Special Reference to Kalu Woreda, Amhara National Regional State. A multistage sampling was used to select sample FTCs and respondent households. Overall, 100 sample households were selected randomly from eight FTCs. The method of data collection employed includes interview schedule, self-administered questionnaire, focus group discussions and personal observation. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as cross tabulation, percentage, frequency and mean. Qualitative data were analyzed through interpretation and conceptual generalization. Moreover, SWOT analysis was done to summarize the results of the research objectives. The finding of the study indicated that the operational performances of all FTCs in the Woreda were found weak. The major constraints identified were inadequate human power with low level of knowledge and skill, absence of residences for DAs, absence of organizational support and commitment, low-level of awareness and participation of beneficiaries, non- extension workload, poor communication and weak linkages between relevant institutions, lack of training materials. Moreover, absence of training needs assessment, lack of financial resource and demonstration field for practical trainings were the main findings of the research. Therefore, the Woreda should support and strengthen the operational performance of FTCs for future improvement.