Brief Description of training Activity
The training program was well organized by the project officers and successfully carried out as scheduled with participants at Melody Hotel conference room in Asankragua. In all a total of 20 people participated in the training comprising of about 5 technical staff with the remaining been selected farmers. Rikolto project officers selected the farmers prior to the training. Training program was residential for participants which made them report on time each day throughout the training period. Majority of the participants were youth comprising about 75% with the remaining ages above the youth. It was observed that few of the participants present were already providing spray services to farmers with little technical knowledge on safe and responsible application use of crop protection products. Additionally, it was observed that about 95% of participants had no knowledge about mode of action of these pesticides which is key to effective and efficient control of pest. Majority of the farmers testified of misusing pesticides including using toxic fumigants and even putting some in their pockets. The training program was Interactive and participatory as participants shared experiences on crop protection products which was highly dangerous to their health and many years of misusing these products. Participants testified that this training is one of the important trainings they have acquired and should be expanded to other farmers. A lot of questions were asked by participants which was a good sign of on part of participant’s readiness to learn new things. Materials used for the training included combination of visuals (Pictures), demonstrations (field visits), games, and practical observations/analysis.
Training Objectives:
The objectives of the training were:
v To equip participants in knowledge of safe and responsible use of pesticides
v To promote use of genuine pesticides and fertilizers
v To promote safe collection and proper disposal of empty pesticides containers
v To promote the need for good management practices to safe guide produce and environment
v To equip participants in knowledge and skill in proper pruning of cocoa farm
v To build capacity of participants to see the service provision in cocoa as business opportunity to explore (Business for the youth)
v To equip participants in knowledge and skills in proper records keeping
Practical training
Practical session was properly organized by project officers in both cocoa farm and a registered agro inputs shop at Asankragua town near the training venue. Both spraying and pruning equipment’s were available for practical session. Participants were divided into groups for proper scouting and assessment of farm after proper recommendations and actions. Three (3) major activities were carried out on the field namely Pruning, scouting and practical application of pesticides to ascertain things learnt during the theory sessions.
Interesting Topics
Farmers showed more interest in all the topics especially Integrated Pest Management, Scouting, Pruning, Pesticides formulation, mode of action and SSP as Business. It was also realized farmers were aware of Personal Protective Equipment and new how to put it on but was not using them.
Difficult Topics
It was observed from all topics treated that, pesticide formulation and reading the label were difficult for participants. Enough time was therefore spent with a lot of illustrations before concept was grabbed by participants.
Challenges
One of the challenges encountered was that few of the participants were unable to read and write well. However organization and everything by partners were very good and conducive for the training for both theory and practical sessions.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the participants were eager and enthusiastic to learn new things throughout the training period. The practice of safe and responsible use of pesticides by farmers is key as far as our standard assurance for cocoa production is concern. Hence, embracing good quality trainings, supervision and monitoring is a necessity to meet certification standards, protection of the environment whiles maintaining good health for farmers.
Recommendations
· It is recommended that next training selection should be done in collaboration with Croplife Ghana.
· Again timely communication of training venue for easy travels by trainers.
· Safe and responsible use pesticide training is more technical and therefore refresher trainings should also be factored in future.
