99 assessing impact Extension workers should also assess the impact of
the training on the behaviour of the participants and on
the farm business. Impact refers to how the farmers’
behaviour has changed and how their farm businesses
have improved as a result of the training received.
Impact assessment is essential because it is
the true indicator of the relevance and effectiveness of
the training programme. Good content alone does not
make a training programme successful. It is usually
a combination of content and teaching methods. The
content must be relevant to the farmers participating
in the programme. What they learn needs to be
‘doable’ in practice after the programme. The teaching
methods should really engage the farmers in learning
and maintain their interest throughout the programme.
The results of each assessment should be applied to
improving the programme the next time it is offered.
Impact assessment also helps identify additional training
farmers may need.
Extension workers have a role in assessing the impact of the training of farmers’ behaviour and the performance of the farm businesses as a result of the training Programme implementation: Assessing how
efficiently the training programme was implemented
in terms of delivering within budget while meeting the
required quality.
