Evaluation of Demonstration and Training on Drip – Irrigation in Green Isarn Project

Abstract

The evaluation of the training programme on the simplified drip- irrigation system was conducted at Khon Kaen and Nakon Ratchasima provinces under the Universities Project “to Support His Majesty the King’s Royal Compassion Project for the Development of the Northeast Green Isarn Project” was directed to assess the achievement of the training course and the effectiveness of the intensive training methods employed and to identify problems, obstacles and defects that should be corrected both in the theoretical and practical aspects. The evaluation was also to study the attitudes towards the training programmes of farmers, farmer leaders, and community leaders including the governmental officials involved. The evaluation was conducted at all important stages, i.e, prior to the implementation of the training, (antecedent), at the time when the training was conducted (transaction), and after the training was completed (outcome). The results of the evaluation are summarized as follows : 1. Antecedent evaluation. The assessment of the various aspects of the preparation work for the demonstration and training on the drip-irrigation system project indicated that the preparation work was done at a high level. The survey of the training needs had been properly planned. Participants were carefully screened. The selection of projects’ and arrangements for the co-ordination of work with concerned agencies, public relations activities, preparation of materials, equipments and documents for training had been properly carried out. The intensive curriculum, with contents corresponding with the knowledge of the trainees, was also developed systematically. Places arranged for training and demonstrations were appropriated. There was a clear division of responsibilities among officials involved. 2. Transaction evaluation. Participants of the training consisted of farmers, farmer leaders, and community leaders. A total of 254 participants came from Khon Kaen Province and 223 from Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Eighty – two participants were classified as relevant officials from Khon Kaen Province and 49 participants from Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The overall ratio of the participants was 79.27% males and 20.72% females. Average age of the majority of participants ranged from 18-45 years. Eighty-one percent of the respondents were trained at primary school (Pathom) level. The working group for the training selected were suitable participants both in terms of educational and economical background. The participants had their potential to utilize the training results for their own benefits and for benefiting others. Most of them were engaged in farming ad their occupation. They, therefore, had possessed basic knowledge of fruit trees and perennial plants, the skill involved in the application of fertilizers, watering, and culturing. Documents were adequately distributed during the training. As a result, the trainees showed good receptivity. They also expressed creative ideas in the application of what they had learned for their occupation. In terms of the co-ordination with local officials, the evaluation revealed that areas used for conducting training and demonstration plots were appropriately selected. Favorable collaboration from officials concerned for the project was evident. Activities were then carried out smoothly. It was found that most participants were satisfied with the venue of the training, demonstrations, food and services provided by the project’s working group.