The Assessment of the Application of Participatory Communication in the Implementation of Sustainable Agricultural Projects in Karai Ward

Abstract

Improved communication is one of the recommended methods to strengthen rural learning towards addressing the problem of food security. Over the past, research has consistently demonstrated that stakeholder-aligned strategies of communication can be a catalyst in expediting agricultural projects’ sustenance. Hence, all stakeholders are able to influence a project either positively or negatively. The purpose of the study was to determine the use of participatory communication in sustainable agricultural projects in Karai Ward. The specific objectives were to: examine the farmers understanding of participatory communication in sustainable agricultural projects; assess how participatory communication is applied in different implementation levels of sustainable agricultural projects and to identify factors influencing the application of participatory communication in sustainable agricultural projects. The study was based on a mixed-methods research approach with farmers in Karai Ward as the target population. A random sample of 100 farmers was drawn. Nine agricultural officers in the area were also selected through purposive sampling to serve as key informants to the study. Data was collected by the researcher using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data gathered from the farmers was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics. On the other hand, qualitative data sourced from the key informants was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed the majority of the residents in the area under study comprehended the meaning of participatory communication in the sense that they should be given a chance to express their views on what they think concerning agriculture in the area. It was established that farmers in Karai Ward are usually involved in all the activities of the agricultural projects implemented in the area. The findings also revealed that lack of commitment by the project facilitators, poor leadership of the projects and lack of funds are the key constraints to participatory communication in agricultural projects implemented in the region. Based on these findings it was concluded that agricultural projects in Karai Ward are mostly done through an extensive and unique participatory manner. To this end, the study recommends more awareness on the role of farmers and the farmers in ensuring participatory communication in agricultural projects through establishment of community-based information technological centers.