Agricultural extension workers are intermediaries between agricultural research institutions, experts, and farmers. Their primary role is to communicate and disseminate relevant information, technologies, and best practices to farmers. They conduct training sessions, workshops, field demonstrations, and farmer field schools to educate farmers on new techniques, technologies, and agricultural practices. They also conduct on-farm research to address specific challenges faced by farmers in their localities. They assess the performance of different crop varieties, evaluate the effectiveness of new inputs or management practices, and quantify the impact of interventions on yield, profitability, and sustainability. With these capabilities, ATI-Cordillera is currently conducting the Refresher Course for AEWs: Training on On–farm Experimental Design and Data Analysis using Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR) Software held at the Dam-mu-han hall, ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
In her overview, Ms. Resley Ann Sumedca, Training Specialist II and the Project Officer of the activity emphasize that On–farm experiments have become increasingly important in agricultural research and decision–making processes, providing valuable insights into the performance of different farming practices and technologies under real–world conditions. She pointed out that there is a growing need for training programs that equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and analyze on–farm experiments effectively. In addition, the training will focus on statistical concepts and methods specifically relevant to on–farm experimental data, such as randomization, replication, blocking, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). It will also introduce participants to the STAR (Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research) software, a powerful tool for analyzing on–farm experimental data. The STAR software provides a user–friendly interface and a wide range of statistical analyses tailored to agricultural experiments.
By learning to navigate and utilize the STAR software, participants will gain practical skills to analyze data efficiently, generate meaningful graphical representations, and extract valuable insights to inform decision–making. Training programs focusing on on–farm experimental design and data analysis promote knowledge sharing and capacity building within the agricultural community. Effective on–farm experimental design and analysis can be crucial in promoting sustainable and efficient farming practices. The training will emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture and provide participants with the tools to make informed decisions that balance productivity and environmental stewardship.
Among the topics being discussed were the following: Elements of Experimentation, Sampling in Experimental Plots; Basic Concepts, Assumptions, and Missing Data; Single Factor Experiment (Complete Randomized Design, and Randomized Complete Block Design); Two Factor Experiments (Factorial Experiment, and Split-plot Design); and Use and Application of STAR Software (Introduction to STAR; Randomized and Layout Using STAR with Exercise Activities; and Navigation of STAR with Samples Activities).
The training runs from July 10-14, 2023 and is being attended by 21 AEWs.
