ERIC Number: EJ1263854
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2311-1550
EISSN: N/A
Agricultural Extension Agents' Use of Learning-Based Extension Methods in Trinidad and Tobago
Ramjattan, Jeet; Chowdhury, Ataharul; Ganpat, Wayne
Journal of Learning for Development, v7 n2 p142-160 2020
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.
Descriptors: Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Extension Agents, Agricultural Occupations, Developing Nations, Educational Methods, Social Influences, Networks, Discovery Learning, Foreign Countries, Expertise, Teaching Experience, Educational Attainment, Employment Level, Individual Characteristics, Age Differences, Gender Differences
Commonwealth of Learning. 4710 Kingsway Suite 2500, Burnaby, BC V5H 4M2 Canada. Tel: 604-775-8200; Fax: 604-775-8210; e-mail: jl4d@col.org; Web site: http://www.col.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A