scholarly journals Participatory Development of Demand-Driven Curriculum for Career-Ready E-Extension Services in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21(36) (3) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Olanike Deji ◽  
Solomon Adesoji ◽  
Banji Adisa ◽  
Abiodun Agboola ◽  
Adedayo Ajayi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Development ◽  
Extension Education ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Extension Agencies ◽  
Training Delivery ◽  
Participatory Curriculum Development

This paper described and contextualized participatory development of demand-driven curriculum for career-ready e-extension services in Nigeria as introduced by the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education. The stages of participatory development were participatory need assessment, participatory stakeholders’ workshop and validation among 124 stakeholders selected as key informants in relation to agricultural extension training, delivery, end users and policy makers. The stakeholders were grouped as follows: community leaders and policy makers; extension agencies / organisations / institutions / employers; farmers; input suppliers / marketers / agro-based traders / other value actors; and potential candidate groups. Stakeholder meetings were held separately with different groups three times, and then a combined meeting took place. The aggregated major decisions/consensus were subjected to content analysis using ATLAS.ti. The validation process included reading of each agreed decision to all participants, then participants indicated their agreement or otherwise, which led to either rejection or acceptance of the decision. This paper concludes that participatory curriculum development has enhanced the stakeholders to identify areas of demand-driven training in response to community needs. The stakeholders preferred more online than face-to-face training. The major perceived advantages of e-extension were reduced risk, time and cost effectiveness while infrastructural and human challenges were the perceived challenges that could possibly hinder the smooth running of e extension.

Extension education strategy for minimizing aflatoxin impact on sub-Saharan African agriculture and food systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ayeni
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Exchange ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Extension Education ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Sub Saharan

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the most vulnerable region of the world to all aflatoxin-related problems including food insecurity, ill health and reduced foreign exchange earnings. Aflatoxin-contaminated maize, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum and other crops reduce human access to adequate calories from these staples; consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods results in severe health conditions, including liver cancer, that deny the region a significant amount of otherwise productive man-hours; while the reduction of grain quality below the international standards due to aflatoxin contamination drastically reduces income in foreign exchange earnings. Scientific knowledge of the causes of aflatoxins in agricultural systems and their mitigation abounds in research institutions in SSA and internationally, but most of this knowledge is unavailable to farmers, food consumers and policy makers in useful form due to poor extension education and ineffective extension services. A paradigm shift in the approach to extension in SSA is proposed, one driven by a sustainable mechanism that is sensitive to the needs of the people and proactive (rather than reactive) in providing solutions to aflatoxin-related problems the local community and policy makers have to deal with. This paper argues that such sustainable mechanism may only be found in a University-based and University-run ‘land grant’ type extension services adapted appropriately to SSA conditions.

Agricultural Technology in the Developing World: A Meta-Analysis of the Adoption Literature

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sacha W. Ruzzante ◽  
Amy M. Bilton
Keyword(s):  
Developing World ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Agricultural Technology ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Adoption Studies ◽  
Agricultural Technologies ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Cast Doubt

Agricultural technology transfer to people in the developing world is a potentially powerful tool to raise productivity and improve livelihoods. Despite this, many technologies are not adopted by their intended beneficiaries. Qualitative studies have identified guidelines to follow in the design and dissemination of agricultural technology, but there has been comparatively little synthesis of quantitative studies of adoption. This study presents a meta-analysis of adoption studies of agricultural technologies in the developing world. The results confirm most earlier findings, but cast doubt on the importance of some classic predictors of adoption, such as education and landholding size. Contact with extension services and membership in farming associations are found to be the most important variables in predicting adoption. Attributes of the technologies are found to modify the relationships of predictor variables to adoption. Membership in farming associations and farmer experience are found to be positively linked to adoption in general, but for technologies that reduce labour the effect is amplified. The findings have potential implications for researchers, extension workers, and policy makers.

scholarly journals ESL Teachers’ Challenges in Implementing E-learning during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-348
Author(s):  
Brenda Anak Lukas ◽  
Melor Md Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Management ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
Readiness To Adopt ◽  
Learning With Technology

Education sector in Malaysia had put emphasis on the use of online learning or e-learning with technology and devices as a mediator of communication to replace face-to-face learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, with the improvement of learning technologies, English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers faced various challenges in language teaching. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the challenges ESL teachers faced in implementing e-learning during COVID-19. Using a qualitative approach, this research was a case study which involved 20 primary ESL teachers. Data collection was done through an in-depth interview to explore teachers’ e-learning experiences and challenges in teaching the English language. Based on the findings, the majority of teachers expressed that the use of e-learning was effective with various limitations such as teachers’ readiness to adopt e-learning, accessibility to mobile phones and Internet connectivity, classroom management in term of low students’ participation and assessment. Thus, the researcher recommended more studies to highlight teachers’ insight regarding the significance of e-learning. ESL teachers, stakeholders, policy makers, and institutions can benefit from the results of the study and come out with practical strategies to utilize online sources for education in the pandemic situation.

scholarly journals Good, bad or indifferent: a longitudinal multi-methods study comparing four modes of training for healthcare professionals in one Australian state

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e021264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Martin ◽  
Saravana Kumar ◽  
LuJuana Abernathy ◽  
Matthew Browne
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Supervision Training ◽  
Australian State ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Training Delivery

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the differences in learning outcomes for supervision training of healthcare professionals across four modes namely face-to-face, videoconference, online and blended modes. Furthermore, changes sustained at 3 months were examined.Design/methodsA multimethods quasi-experimental longitudinal design was used. Data were collected at three points—before training, immediately after training and at 3 months post-training. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through anonymous surveys and reflective summaries, respectively.ResultsParticipants reported an increase in supervision knowledge and confidence immediately after training that was sustained at 3 months with all four modalities of training. Using analysis of variance, we found these changes were sustained at 3 months postcompletion (confidence p<0.01 and knowledge p<0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the four modes of training delivery (confidence, p=0.22 or knowledge, p=0.39). Reflective summary data highlighted the differences in terminology used by participant to describe their experiences across the different modes, the key role of the facilitator in training delivery and the merits and risks associated with online training.ConclusionsWhen designed and delivered carefully, training can achieve comparable outcomes across all four modes of delivery. Regardless of the mode of delivery, the facilitator in training delivery is critical in ensuring positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Perception of Nature’s Contributions to People in Rural Communities in the Eastern Amazon

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7665
Author(s):  
Rafael Melo de Brito ◽  
Valente José Matlaba ◽  
Vera Lúcia Imperatriz-Fonseca ◽  
Tereza Cristina Giannini
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Almost All ◽  
First Time

Nature’s contributions to people (NCP) are increasingly being considered in decisions by policy-makers because of their relevance to the well-being of people. Learning the value of nature from the perception of communities can help to define priorities and to guide the development of public policies for environmental conservation. The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of the importance, benefits, and problems of NCP among residents of five rural communities, and their opinion about the protected areas of the municipality, considering their socioeconomic characteristics. The method consisted of conducting questionnaire-based, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a sample of 214 randomly selected households in five rural communities of Parauapebas (Pará, Eastern Amazon). We used appropriate statistical tests for data analysis. The main results show that the communities were highly homogeneous and that 52% of the households had low income (below a minimum wage of USD 250). A high proportion of respondents gave the highest importance to all categories of NCP (2/3 of respondents for material, 3/4 for non-material, and 4/5 for regulating NCP). The most commonly mentioned benefits of NCP referred to subsistence or livelihood and quality of life (40% of total mentions). Environmental degradation problems were the most cited (38% of total mentions). Almost all respondents stated that they had a positive opinion about the protected areas of the municipality, despite underusing them. This study is relevant because it analyses, for the first time, the perceptions of NCP among residents of rural communities in the Eastern Amazon, an essential aspect for decision-and public policy-making.

scholarly journals Implementing health technology assessment in Kuwait: a qualitative study of perceived barriers and facilitators

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 422-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basshar Darawsheh ◽  
Evi Germeni
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Key Stakeholders

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to explore main barriers and facilitators to implementing health technology assessment (HTA) in Kuwait from the perspective of key stakeholders.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with ten key stakeholders: seven healthcare providers working at various departments of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MOH), and three academics with substantial experience in teaching HTA or related fields. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.ResultsParticipating stakeholders reported several factors that might act as a barrier to building HTA in Kuwait: minimal awareness of HTA, lack of institutional and human capacity, a fragmented healthcare system, poor communication between researchers and policy makers, the country's wealth, politics, as well as data quality, availability, and sharing. Institutionalizing HTA as a politically empowered body, enforcing its recommendation by law, and benefiting from neighboring countries' experiences were suggested as possible ways to move forward.ConclusionStudies exploring the unique challenges that high-income developing countries may face in implementing HTA are still scarce. The results of this study are consistent with evidence coming from other developing countries, while also suggesting that the abundance of financial resources in the country is a double-edged sword; it has the potential to facilitate the development of HTA capacity, but also hinders recognizing the need for it.

scholarly journals Ethnoreligious Urban Violence and Residential Mobility in Nigerian Cities: The Kaduna Experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Danjuma Wapwera ◽  
Jiriko Kefas Gajere
Keyword(s):  
Residential Mobility ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Urban Violence ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Causal Factors ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The City

This paper seeks to examine the ethnoreligious urban violence and residential mobility in the city of Kaduna with a view to make recommendations towards ameliorating its effects by evaluating the causal factors fueling the crisis and examining the pattern and direction of the residential mobility in the city. The sources of data were both primary and secondary. The sampling technique used was purposive and random sampling from two residential districts from both the northern and southern parts of the city. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were administered within the study areas and 900 questionnaires were collected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with major stakeholders from the two parts. The data obtained were analysed using thematic and content analysis for the qualitative data whilst the quantitative data were analysed using simple percentages. The results revealed that the factors causing the ethnoreligious urban violence and residential mobility are unemployment, social institutional breakdown, politics, and colonial impact and the pattern/direction of the residential mobility in the city of Kaduna show a clear polarization along religious lines based reactive residential mobility between the two parts of the city. Based on these results recommendations were made to assist the academia, practitioners, and policy makers.

Effectiveness of Three Training Delivery Methods in a Voluntary Program

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (26) ◽  
pp. 1959-1963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Salehi ◽  
Lesley Strawderman ◽  
Yunchen Huang ◽  
Shaheen Ahmed ◽  
Kari Babski-Reeves
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Voluntary Programs ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Voluntary Program ◽  
Training Delivery

Different training delivery methods each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Method effectiveness is based on the characteristics of the trainees and the program itself. Voluntary programs require extra consideration as there is no direct obligation for volunteers to participate and interact with the system. This paper studies and compares three methods (online, video, and face-to-face) for delivering training in a voluntary program. Demographic characteristics affected trainees' preference for training delivery method. Also, the training delivery method significantly impacts trainees' performance, participation in the program, and trainees' perceptions regarding re-training. These issues should be considered when a volunteer training program is designed.

Economics of organic and conventional hazelnut production in the Terme district of Samsun, Turkey

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 217-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kursat Demiryurek ◽  
Vedat Ceyhan
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Marketing Efficiency

AbstractUnderstanding the economics of organic agriculture is crucial to support of organic production by policy-makers and to facilitate producers converting their lands to organic production. The aim of this research was to compare organic and conventional hazelnut producers, in terms of their socio-economic characteristics, production systems and economic performance. The main data were gathered with surveys of 64 randomly selected conventional hazelnut producers and all the organic hazelnut producers (39) living in villages of the Terme district of Samsun, Turkey in 2005. Results revealed that, compared to conventional hazelnut producers, organic hazelnut producers were more educated, had larger hazelnut areas and spent more time on agricultural activities. The current research also used cluster analysis to define relatively similar farmers from both production systems and to compare variables. Organic producers needed more labor, especially hired workers, and used more lime, organic fertilizer and insect traps, while conventional producers used more synthetic inputs. Organic producers had lower costs of production and had higher income. It is recommended that the organic producers be supported financially, and assisted by research and extension services to produce and use their own inputs, rather than purchasing from outside. They should also be encouraged to establish associations to increase their marketing efficiency.

Broadcasts of Deliberative Polls: Aspirations and Effects

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAMES S. FISHKIN ◽  
ROBERT C. LUSKIN
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
National Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Central Claim

Every face-to-face Deliberative Poll (DP) to date has been the subject of a television broadcast. We consider these broadcasts a helpful adjunct to the design – a way of motivating both the random sample and the policy experts and policy makers to attend, of educating the broader public about the issues, and, perhaps, of nudging public opinion in the direction of the results. In ‘Rickety Bridges’, John Parkinson examines just one of these broadcasts, Channel 4's on the DP on the future of Britain's National Health Service (NHS) in 1998. Applying his coding of the contents to other DP broadcasts might or might not yield similar results, but we are happy to assume, for argument's sake, that it would. If DP broadcasts are generally doing what he describes the NHS DP broadcast as doing, they are doing pretty well, at least as far as the distribution of coverage is concerned. It is Parkinson's notion of what they should be doing that is mistaken. As a result, his critique is fundamentally misguided.THE AIMS OF DP BROADCASTSParkinson's critique rests on an inappropriate standard. His central claim is that Channel 4's broadcast of the NHS DP did not replicate the participants' experience. Of course it did not. No broadcast could ever give viewers the same experience they would have if they were actually part of the DP's on-site, weekend-long deliberations. The broadcast in that case would have to be weekend-long, and there would actually have to be multiple broadcasts – as many as there are participants – since every participant's experience is different.

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