Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Cin-Sian Tang Yang* and Shu-Chun Chang

Abstract:

    This study adopted the training needs assessment method to study the training and development needs for agricultural operators at Guangfu Township in Hualien County. The different attribute of operators, such as crop categories, special experiences and ages, are analyzed to present regional agricultural characteristics. A questionnaire survey regarding the current situation of training needs was conducted at Guangfu Township from January to March in 2018, and was distributed during the farmers’ meeting. A total of 323 valid questionnaires were collected with the overall recovery rate of 84%. Research tool “Farmer Training Needs Assessment” questionnaire was applied, including descriptive statistics for sub-allocation, percentage, sample mean and standard deviation. By using cross-analysis, the correlation between 2 variables was evaluated. The Chi-Square test was used to determine the dependence or independence of the 2 characteristics. The summaries from data analyses include: (1) About 83.9% of area is cultivated land, of which 64.3% of farmers had 1 ha of cultivated land at Guangfu Township. 40.2% is mainly rice cultivation, followed by fruit trees accounting for 31.5%. The farmer’s joint marketing and sales accounted for 51.2%; the fruit trees accounted for a high proportion of 43.9%. (2) The most appropriate training method for the first-time interviews in the Guangfu Township area is that the speech method has a high degree of support of 38.3%, the case study is 23.1%, and the apprenticeship training is 20.8%. The future curriculum planning can be based on the course. The content adopts a mixed curriculum design, which uses teaching and implementation methods to improve training effectiveness. According to the results of this study, the agricultural operators surveyed in the aboriginal areas showed significant development needs for agricultural skills. In-depth exploration found that agricultural operators presented different training methods according to the main types of crops, the degree of professionalism, and the training methods. It should be designed in accordance with regional industrial projects.

Key words:Indigenous, Farmers, Training needs assessment

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