Knowledge is a pebble thrown into stagnant water – it creates ripples that disturb the motionless surface of ideas. And when thrown with force, it creates a massive impact that can reach a distance.
However, creating a “knowledge impact” is not as easy as it sounds, especially if we’re throwing it in vast body of waters. Trying to reach the unreachable is a task one couldn’t do. So as the pebble is thrown, it should be followed by another one to make a series of waves to create a lasting impact that can reach farther and further.
It is the same reason why extension services in agriculture remain relevant to this date. Training future trainers secure the flow that will continue for the next generation of farmers so that they will be equipped and guided on the challenges they might meet in the future. And by training multiple experts, it reaches local farmers even from afar.
TOT MODEL
ATI provides training opportunities on commodity-based technologies, along the food value chain, through the DA Banner Programs on rice, corn, organic agriculture, and high-value crops. Likewise, ATI also focuses on the provision of social technology training in areas such as leadership and management, soft skills, project management, digital tools for agriculture, and agri-entrepreneurship.
ATI’s model of Training of Trainers (TOT) is intended to engage master trainers in preparing new trainers. The trainees undergo comprehensive workshops, lectures, and discussions with a pool of specialists and are expected to finish the specific commodity-based courses.
RCEF TOT
RCEF TOT offers technical information specific to inbred rice and rice-related information to farmers that will supply services and support their rice production.
Victorino Manlapig, a Magsasaka Siyentista , is a farmer of different generations. He’d seen the shifts brought by technological innovation through the years. And as soon as farming methods change, he adapts to this and tried these practices. “I can’t do things unknown to me. So, I attended numerous training and pushed myself to learn quickly and master these things,” he quipped.
As a product of TOT, Vic, has been teaching his co-farmers the innovations he’d learned. He shares his skills and convinces them that such innovation may improve their farming efficiency.
“We have the responsibility to equip farmers for the changing environment. Our role as trainers is to continuously provide information that will help them thrive and succeed,” he added.
Being a trainer is an oath Vic tried to fulfill every time there was a chance to be with farmers. As an extension partner in RCEF, he promised himself that what he learned is meant to be shared.
As trainers graduate from TOT, they opt to tweak information based on local needs and the capabilities of their would-be participants. It is also encouraged that the trainers should be able to learn how to translate any data and information from training to their local language or local practices.
The trainers are the pebbles ready to be thrown out and create far-reaching ripples of knowledge.
Furthermore, as ATI continues TOTs in its different banner programs, the agency’s main goal is to orchestrate trainers that can help them in reaching more farmers. The extension services seek support to do the task of providing information beyond boundaries.
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