Effectiveness of Training Methodologies on Mango Postharvest Technologies among Mango Growers in San Isidro, Davao Oriental

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of training methodologies on mango postharvest technologies among 70 mango growers in San Isidro, Davao Oriental. The 70-mango grower-respondents were exposed to trainings on mango postharvest management technologies jointly conducted by the Southern Davao Development Corporation (SODACO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA). Five methods of training such as lecture, demonstration, guided tours, seminar and workshop were used. Demonstration was the most effective method followed by lecture and guided tour. The respondents claimed that these methods were the most effective since they gave real firsthand experience. Problems encountered during the training include the lack of patience in sharing skill by the trainers. lack of management skills of the facilitators, and poorly ventilated and poorly lighted training venues. More than 50% of the respondents either belong to moderate or high level of postharvest management knowledge after the conduct of training. On the average, the respondents had a moderate knowledge level on postharvest technologies. Results of the Z and t tests showed that those who belonged to the 36-45 age bracket had higher knowledge level on the technologies over those who belonged to the 26-33 age bracket. However, the knowledge levels between the age brackets 46-55 and 56-65 did not vary. Other socio-demographic characteristics included in the analysis like tribe. occupation, marital status, sex and religion did not affect the respondents' knowledge of postharvest technologies.