Follow-up study of graduates of trainers training on integrated pest management of vegetables in Cavite / by Salve F. Valenciano.

Thesis (B.S.D.M.--Training Program Management) Cavite State University

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Economics, Management, and Development Studies (CEMDS)

VALENCIANO, SALVE FABRIGA. Follow-Up Study of Graduates of Trainers' Training on Integrated Pest Management of Vegetables in Cavite. B.S. Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Development Management major in Training Program Management. Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite. April 2002. Adviser: Dr. Anastacia M. Bayas.
This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the status of implementation of the Farmers' Field School as a consequence of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of Vegetables conducted in September 1997 to January 1998. Specifically, it aimed to 1) determine IPM information and skills disseminated to the farmers; 2) identify nonformal education approaches used to deliver IPM information and skills; 3) determine status of formation of [PM field officers team; 4) ascertain forms of assistance extended by the graduates to the farmers; and 5) identify problems encountered in the conduct of FFS. The study covered all the graduates of the TOT on IPM of vegetables conducted in 1997-1998. A complete enumeration of twenty-five agriculturists/technicians was included in the study. The results of the study showed that the IPM information and skills were appropriately disseminated by the TOT graduates to the farmers in the conduct of Farmer's Field School. Through this, farmers were taught the different ways of biological control in growing vegetable crops, at the same time, to intensify food production. 1PM information such as ecosystem analysis had the highest rank in both information the graduates found easy to transfer and information that the farmers easily understood, as perceived by the respondents. Based on the graduates' observations, soil sampling analysis was the IPM skill the farmers easily learned. It was also showed that majority of the TOT graduates used combinations of non-formal education approaches in delivering IPM information and skills. It was found out also that the effective NFE approach in delivering IPM technology were those approaches where farmers or the participants had direct involvement with the topic being discussed, either tangible or visible aspect. Discovery-based exercises helped build the participants' technical competence in solving the problem. The IPM field officers teams were not established in the municipalities of the TOT graduates, except for the municipality of Tanza. However, those who attended the TOT became, automatically, the IPM coordinator of the municipality. The conduct of Farmers Field School twice a year was not pursued due to lack of fund of the provincial DA office for such program. Among the forms of assistance the TOT graduates extended to the farmers, technical assistance and providing linkages with other agencies were frequently mentioned. These helped the farmers in improving their venture in growing vegetables, as well as in increasing their income. Financial/loan assistance was found to be the most needed assistance to continue the farmers' adoption of PPM technology. Problems encountered before the conduct of FFS was mostly about the recruitment of participants for the FFS, and the lack of fund for the implementation of the program. During the actual conduct of FFS, absences and tardiness among the participants were the primary problems of the facilitators/trainers. After the conduct of FFS, failure in adopting IPM technology was the most frequent problem that happened since farmers found the technology labor-intensive. Generally, the implementation of the Farmer's Field School, as the consequence of the conduct of Trainers' Training on IPM of Vegetables, was successful in the extent of disseminating IPM information and skills, as well as in providing assistance to the farmers. Lack of fund was also a primary problem in the conduct of FFS as well as continuous monitoring and evaluation of the farmers. In conclusion, the TOT graduates think that the farmers find the IPM a good but labor-intensive so some of them do not completely adopt the technology. The use of discovery-based exercises or the nonformal education approaches is of utmost importance in the conduct of training programs especially in the field of agriculture. It is, therefore, recommended that since training methods become tools for continued inquiry and improvement by fanners, it is advisable to practically use combinations of training methods or approaches in order to effect change in one's knowledge, skills and behavior. To avoid failure in adopting IPM technology, assigned personnel should conduct continuous monitoring and evaluation. Providing continuous assistance, such as upgraded seminars, would somehow help them to practice what they have learned. Local government units should extend full support and provide sufficient fund for the agriculture program. More Training of Trainers programs should be conducted so that the implementation of the FFS program can reach a wider number of farmers.

Submitted to the University Library 07/18/2007 T-2311