Participatory curriculum development for training of extensionists in irrigation management

Abstract

The irrigation extension worker has a leading supportive role to play to ensure
sustainable agricultural production. However, to be able to fulfil the various expectations of small-scale irrigation farmers with regard to technical and extension competency, adequate training of extension workers is a requirement. This paper represents the findings of participatory curriculum development process that was followed which included the assessment of training needs of irrigation extensionists and the identification of shortcomings in the occupational profile of irrigation extensionists. These results will be used to develop a conceptual training curricula framework in irrigation management.

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 35 (2) 2006: pp. 242-257