Training induced knowledge and adoption of harvesting technologies in rubber smallholdings in the Kegalle district of Sri Lank

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of training on improvement of knowledge and adoption of technologies developed by the Rubber Research Institute of Lanka (RRISL) for harvesting of rubber in the smallholder sector. The scores which were used to measure the knowledge (KNOW) and adoption (ADOP) of latex harvesters on recommendations related to latex harvesting were also used to evaluate whether systematic training could improve knowledge/adoption. Equal number of trained and non-trained harvesters; 80 each were selected for the study in Kegalle district. A questionnaire survey and field level observations were conducted in 2017, employing equal numbers from the two categories; Latex Harvesting Assistants (LHAs) who harvest their own rubber lands (OPER=1) and those who are hired by land owners (OPER=0) within the categories of trained and non-trained LHAs. The increase in KNOW and ADOP due to systematic training was statistically significant. The respective mean scores for trained and non-trained groups (for KNOW; 70 and 38, t=-12.85, P<0.001 and for ADOP; 71 and 40, t=-10.34, P<0.001) signifying that training has increased KNOW and ADOP by 84% and 78%, respectively. In the trained group, significant differences were observed for both KNOW and ADOP for OPER (for KNOW; OPER1=82.9 and OPER0=57.8; t=-6.45, P<0.001) (for ADOP; OPER1=84.3 and OPER0=56.3; t=-6.36, P<0.001), indicating that KNOW and ADOP to be high with OPER1. The experience in harvesting was negatively correlated with KNOW (r=-0.528, P<0.001) and ADOP (-0.638, P<0.001). Participation in other extension activities was positively related with KNOW (r=0.341, P<0.01) and ADOP (r=0.390, P<0.01). The variables, such as age, gender and education level and job satisfaction did not have significant relationships with KNOW and ADOP. It is evident that systematic training on rubber harvesting enhances knowledge and adoption of recommended practices, which may eventually improve the productivity of rubber smallholdings. Hence, this training is worth continuing for the improvement of future performance of the smallholder rubber sector.