Hindrances to Farmers' Participation

The main objective of this research was to investigate the major factors influencing farmers¿ participation in the training program given at FTCs. To achieve this, the survey research design was used. Frequencies, percentages and means, correlation, factor analysis, multiple regressions and Mann- Whitney U-test were used as statistical tools to analyze the data. Based on the analyses, the main findings of the study revealed that the majority of the farmers were not involved in the training program development. The study also showed that farmers¿ low participation was determined by synergistic action of multiple obstacles. From the above findings, it could be concluded that due to the collective influence of these factors, the whole process of the training program development was not participatory. Thus, it has been suggested that motivated and competent extension personnel, pre-service and on-job training for facilitators, and a continuous awareness creation are timely essential.