Assessment of Training needs of Women in Irrigation Farming in the North West Province, South Africa
Assessment of Training needs of Women in Irrigation Farming in the North West Province, South Africa

Summary/Abstract: The study assessed the training needs of women in irrigation schemes in the North West Province. Primarily data were collected from 83 women selected using simple random sampling. A list of 23 competencies categorized into Pre and Post Planting, Irrigation management and Marketing was prepared. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, the mean and standard deviation were employed. Training on the appropriate application of herbicides and fungicides along with selecting appropriate planting methods for various crops (81%) were the most prominent and important needs under pre- and post-planting. The results revealed that 74% of the respondents suggest training on recommendation suitable profile and water conservation measures for specific farmland as the most important need under irrigation management. With regard to marketing,it was revealed that training needs on knowledge of marketing contracts emerged the most important with 81%. The linear multiple regression results showed that the independent variables were significantly related to the F value of 39.802, P ≤ 0.05. The study concludes that extension agencies and agents should design regular training programmes for women farmers in the area of deficiencies identified and strengthen water user associations such that their problems could be addressed.

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