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Impact of Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre Curriculum on Gaining Knowledge among Smallholder Farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya

Author

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  • Riziki Karema Kiriungi

    (Department of Life Sciences and Natural Resources, Tharaka University)

Abstract

Modern reforms in agriculture triggered by the critical decline in food security, the empowerment of smallholder farmers through systematic training has become one of the most influential factors in the socio-economic growth. This paper assesses the importance of the curriculum that is used at the Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in enhancing the knowledge of smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. The study was built on the wider vision of spreading research work on innovative technology and creations as far as social-economic growth is concerned. The research design being descriptive used both analyses of quantitative and qualitative data to bring out a balanced determination of the curriculum effectiveness. A sample of 217 participants was selected through a stratified type of random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data for statistical and contextual information. The statistical tools were used in analysing quantitative data, and thematic analysis were used in analysing qualitative responses. The findings revealed that curriculum used at Kaguru ATC imparted knowledge on modern farming methods among farmers with medium to high degrees of effects in specific areas such as management of crops and animals. The study concluded that the curriculum helped to improve the knowledge and its effectiveness was impeded by too outdated content outdated and lack of proper training facilities and budget. The study recommended that there is need to redesign the ATC curriculum to be more in touch with the modern agricultural developments, more funding of training facilities and implementation of constant feedback system between the farmers and the institution.

Suggested Citation

  • Riziki Karema Kiriungi, 2025. "Impact of Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre Curriculum on Gaining Knowledge among Smallholder Farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 8911-8917, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:8911-8917
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Davis, K. & Nkonya, E. & Kato, E. & Mekonnen, D.A. & Odendo, M. & Miiro, R. & Nkuba, J., 2012. "Impact of Farmer Field Schools on Agricultural Productivity and Poverty in East Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 402-413.
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