Communication Tools for Effective Transfer of Aquaculture Technologies: The Case of Wonchi District, South West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to find out which communication tools are best suited for effective transfer of selected aquaculture technologies in Wonchi district of South west Shewa Zone. The study involves a sample of 30 farmers including adopter and non-adopters of aquaculture technologies. Data was collected using pairwise and matrix ranking techniques followed by focus group discussion. Meanwhile, a test of appropriateness of selected communication tools: video, oral lecture and demonstration were used to ultimately provide training on selected aquaculture technologies. An evaluation was then done based on feedback given from the participants. As a result, videos were found to be the most versatile tools for effective transfer of aquaculture technologies, followed by demonstration and lecture methods.  By virtue of the fact that experiences on best practice of small-scale aquaculture are missing, videos recorded from better performing locations elsewhere outside Ethiopia are preferable in the short run. However, using a mix of videos followed by practical demonstration would improve effectiveness of aquaculture focused technology transfer programs.