Training needs assessment for transformation of smallholder livestock farming in Botswana

Abstract

The need to improve the competitiveness of smallholder livestock owners in Botswana was studied through Training Need Assessment (TNA) with the aim of strengthening the capacity of agricultural education and extension in the livestock sector. TNA was conducted in selected areas of Botswana namely, Mogobane, Boatle and Taung villages in the SouthEast District as well as Serowe, Bobonong, Nata and Letlhakane in the Central District of Botswana. A simple random sampling method was used to select 395 smallholder livestock farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire and focus group discussions respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using means (and standard deviations). The results from focus groups were based on the coding of themes that emerged from the discussions. The results show that smallholder livestock farmers were lacking knowledge and skill in some of the following topics: Farm records and accounts; artificial insemination; feeds and feeding which include nutritional diseases and range management. It is recommended that livestock marketing, which is an important component in livestock production, be integrated into all livestock extension training programmes. Furthermore, the inclusion of diagnosis of livestock diseases, vaccination and borehole maintenance is also recommended.

Assessment of extension services on capacity building of smallholder livestock farmers in Midvaal local municipality, Gauteng province

“…They are underprivileged, less educated, and have underdeveloped infrastructure (Thamaga-Chitja and Morojele, 2014). They are also known for having poor production management skills, a lack of adoption of modern technologies, not being market orientated (Tselaesele et al, 2018), limited access to proper farm infrastructure, insufficient access to production inputs, inadequate access to formal markets, and no access to finance (Chepape and Maoba 2020). As a result, the sustainability and profitability of their enterprises will be compromised.…”

Assessment of Training Needs on Entrepreneurship Development for NTFR Stakeholders in Gurez Valley of Kashmir

“…"Assessment of the training needs is vital to a training process which helps to identify present problems and future challenges to meet through training and development" [5]. "In order to make any training programme meaningful and effective, it is imperative for the training organizers to identify the training needs of the stakeholders based on which a suitable training module can be developed so that the appropriate training is given to the right people, in the right form, at the right time so that the degree of productivity and profitability can be achieved" [6][7]. "The training need assessment is an examination of the areas, aspects or programmes where training should be applied for stakeholders or clientele groups within an organization" [8][9].…”