Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of training on improvement of knowledge and adoption of technologies developed by the Rubber Research Institute of Lanka (RRISL) for harvesting of rubber in the smallholder sector. The scores which were used to measure the knowledge (KNOW) and adoption (ADOP) of latex harvesters on recommendations related to latex harvesting were also used to evaluate whether systematic training could improve knowledge/adoption. Equal number of trained and non-trained harvesters; 80 each were selected for the study in Kegalle district. A questionnaire survey and field level observations were conducted in 2017, employing equal numbers from the two categories; Latex Harvesting Assistants (LHAs) who harvest their own rubber lands (OPER=1) and those who are hired by land owners (OPER=0) within the categories of trained and non-trained LHAs. The increase in KNOW and ADOP due to systematic training was statistically significant. The respective mean scores for trained and non-trained groups (for KNOW; 70 and 38, t=-12.85, P<0.001 and for ADOP; 71 and 40, t=-10.34, P<0.001) signifying that training has increased KNOW and ADOP by 84% and 78%, respectively. In the trained group, significant differences were observed for both KNOW and ADOP for OPER (for KNOW; OPER1=82.9 and OPER0=57.8; t=-6.45, P<0.001) (for ADOP; OPER1=84.3 and OPER0=56.3; t=-6.36, P<0.001), indicating that KNOW and ADOP to be high with OPER1. The experience in harvesting was negatively correlated with KNOW (r=-0.528, P<0.001) and ADOP (-0.638, P<0.001). Participation in other extension activities was positively related with KNOW (r=0.341, P<0.01) and ADOP (r=0.390, P<0.01). The variables, such as age, gender and education level and job satisfaction did not have significant relationships with KNOW and ADOP. It is evident that systematic training on rubber harvesting enhances knowledge and adoption of recommended practices, which may eventually improve the productivity of rubber smallholdings. Hence, this training is worth continuing for the improvement of future performance of the smallholder rubber sector.
Highlights
Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is one of the major plantation crops in Sri Lanka in terms of export earnings and employment generation and contributed nearly 0.3% to the GDP in 2018 (Anon., 2018)
The low adoption in harvesting recommendations formulated by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) is one of the key issues which adversely affect the sustainability of rubber farming
There was a positive and strong correlation observed between both knowledge and adoption for trained Latex Harvesting Assistants (LHAs)
Summary
Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is one of the major plantation crops in Sri Lanka in terms of export earnings and employment generation and contributed nearly 0.3% to the GDP in 2018 (Anon., 2018). The low adoption in harvesting recommendations formulated by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) is one of the key issues which adversely affect the sustainability of rubber farming. Technology transfer through training is one of the strategies in operation by RRISL and a number of novel approaches have been introduced to improve the knowledge and skills of smallholder rubber farmers. Establishment of “Training Schools for Latex Harvesting Assistants (TSLHAs)” is one of the strategies to address the shortage of skilled LHAs while improving their knowledge which would help to increase the adoption of correct harvesting practices recommended by RRISL. The TSLHAs is a systematic training programme which is conducted to introduce new skilled LHAs to the rubber smallholder sector as a solution for the shortage of Harvester training and adoption changes skilled harvesting assistants.
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