How the timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Uganda

Florent Okry,Gabriel Karubanga,Haroon Sseguya,Paul Kibwika

doi:10.3329/ijarit.v6i2.31709

Abstract

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 2016

Highlights

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are gaining prominence in dissemination of agricultural information, videos being one of such tools (David and Asamoah, 2011; Bentley and Van Mele, 2011)
As there are new directions towards use of ICTs video to disseminate agricultural information in Uganda (Van Mele, 2011), there is need to assess whether the timing and location of video shows have an influence on learning among farmers
Eight villages in Mahyoro subcounty were purposively selected because records of farmers who participated existed. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess how the timing and location of video shows influenced learning among rice farmers in Mahyoro sub-county of Kamwenge district in Uganda

Summary

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are gaining prominence in dissemination of agricultural information, videos being one of such tools (David and Asamoah, 2011; Bentley and Van Mele, 2011). Earlier studies in Uganda and elsewhere focused on assessment of effectiveness of video in disseminating agricultural knowledge to farmers (Van Mele et al, 2010; Tumwekwase, 2013) with limited attention on how the timing and location of video shows influence its effectiveness in fostering learning among farmers. As there are new directions towards use of ICTs video to disseminate agricultural information in Uganda (Van Mele, 2011), there is need to assess whether the timing and location of video shows have an influence on learning among farmers

Methods

Results

Conclusion