Dynamics of Public Training in a University Setting

The case presented in this chapter submits a general consensus about the role of leadership in a university public training program. Focusing on short training programs provided by the Centre for Continuing Education of the University of Botswana, there are some indications that the effectiveness of these training is compromised by a number of issues. Emerging from reflective evaluations and experiences from coordinators are issues of relevance, feedback loop, inclusiveness and training goals. In the light of our understanding of different goals of training, it becomes clear that current public training at the University of Botswana focus more on the conceptual understanding along with occupational at the expense of other areas of public training. The analysis reveals some shortcomings in a number of aspects that calls for a multi-task, multi-skilled leader who can serve well as a strategic decision-maker, partner with clients; skilled designer and marketer of training programs.

Supervision of Research at Makerere University

This chapter envisions research as a formal and supportive process whose success depends upon the commitment of and the relationship of trust between both the supervisor and the supervisee. Hypothesising that supervision should ensure that the research project be completed within the specified time, it accordingly seeks to find out the relationship underlying supervision and completion of research projects among the postgraduate students in the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University. A close-ended questionnaire and an interview schedule were used. The findings revealed that about 33% of the students completed their research beyond two years of the stipulated time. The chapter concluded that students that are better supervised tend to complete their research within the stipulated time. Recommendation was for the supervisors to exercise more availability and dedicated support to the supervisee; adding that the supervision-partnership should be respected by both the supervisor and the supervisee.

The Role of Leaders in Training and Development in Malawi

The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the significant roles played by leaders in training institutions with special reference to Pentecostal Life University (PLU) in Malawi, and Malawi Institute of Management (MIM).Training is an essential part of a successful organization. The leader's role is very vital for training to be done and for new leaders to be groomed. A leader's impact goes beyond the organization whilst his/her subordinate's impact can end in the office.

A Case Study of Innovation Platforms for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Development

Stakeholder organizations clearly need to have more than a symbolic role in IAR4D decision making. They are currently hindered by their lack of knowledge of leadership roles and capacity to implement the IAR4D. In this chapter, the authors have presented the use of the IAR4D in Sierra Leone with clear justification of how it fits into contemporary approaches and interventions at the national, regional and global levels. The chapter focuses on the “Dissemination of New Agricultural Technologies in Africa (DONATA)” project in Sierra Leone as a shining example of leadership development and adult learning in both formal and non-formal settings. The authors highlight current challenges of the use of innovation platforms through IARD and articulate implications of the case study for adult education, agricultural extension and non-formal training in agricultural research institutions. The chapter ends with recommendations for surmounting the current challenges of the case described.

The Evolution of Effective Leadership Practices in Botswana Horticulture Council

Botswana Horticultural Council was formed by District Horticultural Associations. It represents and advocates for the interest and development of horticultural farmers. Botswana Horticultural Council leads the associations by acting as their voice, protecting their interest, advocating for conducive and favourable horticultural policies, working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture for promoting and facilitating sound extension services for horticulture farmers in the country. Extension Service provides technical knowledge and skills for improved horticultural crop production that ensures good quality products. Botswana Horticultural Council creates linkages by networking with other relevant organizations within the country and outside. It promotes sustainability of the horticultural business in the country by ensuring improved management practices, conformity to the required production standards, good handling and packaging of products, proper records keeping and marketing efficiency. It plays a leading and coordinative role in horticultural crop production in Botswana.

Leadership Role of Adult Education Departments in the Practice of Adult Education in Nigeria

This chapter briefly describes the challenges faced by the Nigerian education system as from 1983 after it had performed well between 1960 and 1980. It follows this description with the discussion of the innovative and ingenious educational devise that kept about one third of the number of school age children and youths in school between 1990 and the early part of the 21st century. That innovative educational sub-system was known as non-formal education for the Girl-Child, the out-of-school boy and Quranic school learners and it was developed, nurtured and implemented by academic personnel drawn from the eight existing university departments of adult education in Nigeria at the time. The chapter finally discusses how these departments of adult education worked for the establishment of national structures of adult education which ultimately came to promote both the visibility and popularisation of the modern practice of adult education in Nigeria from the 1980s.

Striking a Perfect Fit in Leadership Style for Effective Farmer Training in Botswana

Botswana since pre-independence days prides itself with decades of experience in development planning supported by structural frameworks comprising networks of institutions at central government and village levels responsible for leadership and coordination of affairs. Unfortunately when problems arise, development planners focus on the structural frameworks alone disregarding the leadership powering development planning at different structural levels and diverse stakeholder dynamics at play. Therefore, re-structuring is always the common solution even though not necessarily the best intervention. The trend is noted with farmer training whose program organization has for 79 years undergone cycles of re-structuring. The chapter argues for a holistic evaluation approach to always check the fit between the leadership style and whether the power processes at the different structural levels are in synch. The chapter advocates for well aligned leadership style with structural frameworks and recommends a leadership style that can be a perfect fit for effective farmer training.

The Supervision of Programs in Prisons and Rehabilitation Department

Supervision is very important in the running of any organisation that aims to execute its functions for the benefit of the people in the milieu in which it exists, such as prisons in Botswana. In the discipline organisations such as the Prisons and Rehabilitation department, supervision is strongly guided by the organisational structure and the need to maintain the highest standards of discipline. This explains the reason why professionals who get enlisted in the organisation undergo training that qualifies them to adhere to the prescribed standards and codes of behaviour in the organisation. The supervision in Botswana prisons has become important because of the need to rehabilitate offenders so that they become acceptable members of their respective communities. The prisons do have programs that are geared towards making the stay of prisoners in prisons more as an epoch characterised by training, than that of punishment. The chapter will demonstrate that supervision is important for prisons to run smoothly, with explicit recognisable harmonisation of activities within the institution.

Management Issues in the Botswana Adult Basic Education Program

This chapter is a case study analysis of the management of the Adult Basic Education Program in Botswana. The chapter focuses on management issues in the ABEP program using two districts as a case study. The case study examined management issues faced by those implementing the program. The findings reveal that while the program has undergone several comprehensive structural changes, the reality on the ground has remained the same and worsened in some areas. The program faces a problem of lack of resources such as office accommodation, office furniture, and transport to effectively run the activities of the program. The lack of transport leads to poor supervision, late payment of facilitators and at times to cancellation of planned program activities. Responses were consistent in the two districts to suggest there are some wide ranging issues that probably affect all parts of the program.

Leadership of Educational Opportunities for Adults

This chapter on leadership of educational opportunities for adults in the United States includes chapter purpose about an American vision for conducting excellent learning programs. This purpose and format differ from the other book chapters. The middle section contains 15 brief examples about leadership tasks. The conclusion of each section poses a question about strengthening educational leadership. The concluding section provides a rationale for the reader's comparative analysis of similar leadership tasks, by considering similarities and differences between the American examples and similar educational opportunities for adults in the reader's setting. The chapter ends with a bibliographic essay on additional readings for readers interested in more detailed information and comparative analysis about a selected leadership task. These concepts help to explain the examples and guidelines and suggest future directions for related research and evaluation.