Agricultural Extension Agents' Use of Learning-Based Extension Methods in Trinidad and Tobago
Agricultural Extension Agents' Use of Learning-Based Extension Methods in Trinidad and Tobago
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Date
2020-07-20
Authors
Ramjattan, Jeet
Chowdhury, Ataharul
Ganpat, Wayne
Editor
Corporate Author
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
Report/Paper Number
Abstract
Agricultural extension agents are highly credited for their roles of providing advice to farmers and supporting their learning and decision-making to improve livelihoods. The use of appropriate methods to promote learning in developing countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, has often been highlighted as a development priority. Nevertheless, agricultural extension agents encounter difficulties in applying new competencies. Understanding and utilising appropriate methods based on farmers’ learning needs is critical. This study sought to investigate extension agents’ use of learning-based extension methods. A survey was conducted with 106 extension agents. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse data. The findings show that male agents prefer Plant Clinics and Farmer Field School learning methods. Social influence and networking among organisations had a significant influence on the use of Discovery Based Learning methods. The positive influence of social pressure motivated the agents. The study recommends supporting facilitative conditions through a coordinated programme and to focus on farmers’ learning as a critical consideration for improving the use and impact of learning-based methods.
Description
Subject
Agricultural Extension,
Teaching and Learning Methods
Country
Trinidad and Tobago
Region
Caribbean and Americas
Series
Journal of Learning for Development;vol. 7, no. 2