Innovation systems model for disseminating harvesting and postharvest handling information to Gayaza coffee growers' Comp any limited in Mubende district, Uganda

Abstract

Farmers have consistently noted the inadequacy and inconsistency of agriculture extension services. In Uganda, provision of agricultural advisory services has been down played to simply distribution of inputs. This study sought to investigate, design, and test an innovation systems model for improving information dissemination on harvesting and post-harvest handling. The study also tested the effectiveness of the model for improved information dissemination within Gayaza Coffee Growers Company Limited. Focus group discussions, observation, interviews, future workshops were the main data collection methods; the river code, work process analysis, farmer visits checklist and observational protocol as the main tools with triangulation as the basis for data validity. Inadequate and inconsistent extension services arise from gaps within the extension methodology, information dissemination techniques and undermining the power of collaborative rural development. The innovation systems model was designed basing on a reflection of the current agricultural extension methodology, effective and sustainable information dissemination methods and transformative learning for rural development. Testing focused on the pillars of training dynamics, motivation and collaboration. The research was thus grounded on wenger's social learning theory and the philosophies of agricultural extension to mold practices for rural development. Selective picking as the most recommended technique of harvesting needs to be upheld and strengthened, technical persons should perceive farmers as adult learners and learning as a mutual experience sharing process and further testing of the model within other farmer groups could better its effectiveness.