Status and Prospects of Farmers Training Centers: The Case of Fagita Lekoma District, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

One of the major ways of implementing modern farming methods is through extensive utilization by motivating the human labor in agriculture through agricultural education and training. In this regard, the establishments of FTCs are the cornerstone of the strategy through which new technology and better means of production is learned. The objective of the study is to assess current status and future prospects of FTC in providing training skills and serve as demonstration cites to the farmers which ultimately improve the income level of farmers. The study was conducted in Awi zone, Fagita Lekoma district. The study was based on the cross-sectional survey which was involved both qualitative and quantitative approach. A multi stage sampling technique was employed. 5 Kebele were selected purposively based on their distance and 150 sample farmers were selected using systematic random sampling. Interview schedule was developed, pre-tested and used for collecting quantitative and qualitative data for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, mean and percentage. In addition, binary Logit econometric model was employed. Based on the study result, 8% of FTCs are categorized under below basic, 76% of FTCs are under the category of basic FTCs. The rest (16 %) FTCs are under intermediate FTCs and no FTC have success to advance stage based on national FTC guideline standard. Overall, the findings of the model result revealed that, the variables such as age of household heads, distance from FTCs, income level, amount of livestock and responsibility of respondents in the kebele (social status) significantly affect participation of farmers on modular training