Effect of agricultural teaching workshop use on agricultural skill acquisition among Certificate in Agriculture trainees in technical institutions in Western Kenya

John Wesonga Manyali; Alice Chesambu Ndiema; Jacob Wanambacha Wakhungu

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.121

Authors

John Wesonga Manyali Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5797-7647
Alice Chesambu Ndiema Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4153-5637
Jacob Wanambacha Wakhungu Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4381-2618

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.121

Keywords:

Agricultural teaching workshops, agricultural skill acquisition, Certificate in Agriculture trainees, TVET, practical training, Western Kenya

Abstract

The quality of agricultural education offered in training institutions influences the development of agricultural skills required for effective agricultural production and extension services. This study examined the effect of agricultural teaching workshop use on agricultural skill acquisition among Certificate in Agriculture trainees in technical training institutions in Western Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design with a mixed-methods approach. A stratified random sample of 269 Certificate in Agriculture trainees was selected proportionately from 12 TVET institutions from a sampling frame of 890 trainees. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered to trainees and key informant interview guides administered to 28 agricultural tutors. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and bivariate linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The reliability coefficient of the data collection instrument was 0.782. The findings showed that the level of use of agricultural teaching workshops was moderate (M = 2.94, SD = 0.29) on a scale of 0 to 5. Agricultural teaching workshop use had a statistically significant positive effect on agricultural skill acquisition (β = .457, t = 8.395, p < .001), explaining approximately 20.6% of the variation in skill acquisition. The major challenge affecting effective use of agricultural workshops was inadequate workshop implements and equipment (M = 4.64, SD = 0.49). The study concludes that agricultural teaching workshops are important in enhancing the acquisition of agricultural skills among Certificate in Agriculture trainees. The study recommends increased opportunities for practical training, improvement and equipping of agricultural workshops, curriculum enhancement to strengthen practical learning, and increased use of appropriate technology to support agricultural skills development.

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