A parametric test evaluating smallholder farmers’ training needs in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose Effective rural agribusiness development requires dedicated training programmes therefore, this paper is an attempt to investigate smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness sector. The purpose of this paper is to study a bigger research project of the dairy value chain in agribusiness framework in the Rwenzori region. Design/methodology/approach A sample size of 100 dairy farmers were randomly selected from two Districts in the Rwenzori region. The descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) provided a basis for discussion. Furthermore, parametric Pearson coefficient test was conducted to examine the smallholder farmers’ TNs and assess its association with selected socio-demographic characteristics of the dairy farmers. Findings The analysis indicated that dairy farmers expressed the need for a training program. Most frequently requested topics include: fodder cultivation, quality and safe milk handling, milk marketing, calf feeding and rearing, animal nutrition and financial literacy out of 12 topics. The least desired TNs was record keeping. Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to the understanding of dairy farmers’ TNs. Practical implications The identified 12 key training intervention areas for the dairy farmers inform policymakers Dairy Development Authority and other development bodies in the Rwenzori region to address the challenges and improve smallholder dairy farming practices. Originality/value The study applies a synthesis review to identify theoretically acceptable variables that measure smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness. The paper also shares the empirical evidence of a pioneering attempt to identify smallholder dairy farmers’ TNs in Uganda.

Training Needs Assessment: The Case of Female Rice Farmers in Northern Iran

“…This means that the training needs of female paddy farmers will not change with increase or decrease in age, number of dependents, work experience, and rice yield. These findings are in line with the findings of the studies by Hashemi et al [37] and Kataike et al [38].…”

“…Therefore, training needs assessment by an agricultural agent is necessary before launching training-extension courses. The research conducted by Olorunfemi et al [40] showed that the main job had no effect on the amount of training needs, but the study conducted by Kataike et al [38] showed that the main job had an effect on the number of training needs, which was also approved in the present study. A study by Man et al [24] found that the primary form of work has a favorable and important impact on agricultural extension agents' training needs.…”

Value chain, productivity and trade performance in the dairy industry

“…Uganda's agricultural sector is majorly comprised of crop husbandry and livestock farming. According to Kataike et al (2018) and Uganda Export Promotion Board (2013), the government of Uganda, in an attempt to promote diversification in its trade pattern, emphasized value addition to dairy products in order to enhance trade performance of the country. Uganda's dairy industry has bucked a trend in the agricultural sector in which production grew very slowly since the late 1990s and was less than 1% in 2010/2011.…”

“…The second relates to high milk spoilage and poor-quality milk because of lack of cooling facilities and high electricity costs to keep the milk in cold conditions. Kataike et al (2018) and Uganda Export Promotion Board (2014) make conservative estimates of about 80% of the milk produced to be sold through informal market channels mainly by small-scale farmers owning over 90% of the cattle population of country. According Kataike et al (2018) and DDA (2010), the milk industry in Uganda is highly skewed comprising 1m smallholders, 10,000 of middlemen with least agents in the milk supply chain being processors and exporters.…”

“…Kataike et al (2018) and Uganda Export Promotion Board (2014) make conservative estimates of about 80% of the milk produced to be sold through informal market channels mainly by small-scale farmers owning over 90% of the cattle population of country. According Kataike et al (2018) and DDA (2010), the milk industry in Uganda is highly skewed comprising 1m smallholders, 10,000 of middlemen with least agents in the milk supply chain being processors and exporters. It is thus a worthwhile endeavour to undertake a study of this nature in an emerging economy where agriculture is the backbone.…”