Farmer learning through on-farm Cassava Demonstration Sites: the case of Kiryandongo district, Uganda

A comparative study was conducted among demonstration users and non-users where a cross-sectional survey was preceded by holding three focus group discussions and complemented with field observations to establish how the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) enhanced farmer learning about cassava production practices and technologies in Kiryandongo district, Uganda. While thematic-content analysis was applied for qualitative data, quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Our results indicate that over 81% of the farmers approved the use of on-farm demonstration sites as being vital in influencing farmer learning especially if well-facilitated by competent extension staff. Paired samples t-tests indicate statistically significant differences in creating awareness, knowledge gain and retention, application and sharing of the acquired knowledge and experiences about cassava production practices and technologies. However, its effectiveness in fostering farmer learning would be much higher if it is integrated with other participatory extension methods and approaches such as Information and communication technologies.