Training programs in sustainable agriculture

Training programs on postharvest loss minimization and storage were conducted in Ethiopia. A study revealed there were major problems in postharvest losses and storage. Information and knowledge did not appear to reach most farmers. Extension workers were busy collecting taxes for the government rather than helping farmers use sustainable agricultural practices and food production. Cooperative managers and promoters acknowledged that many barriers blocked the flow of information gained in the training programs for the grassroots farmers. Poverty, limited knowledge resources, infrastructure, poor governmentland policies, drought and starvation were somelimiting factors to the adoption of sustainableagricultural practices for postharvest lossminimization and storage. multidisciplinary team of experts could train cooperative managers, promoters and extension agents through formal and non-formal educational programs such as workshops, seminars and in-house training programs. Information and knowledge thus gained would be used to train staff in cooperative stores and farmer leaders who will in turn help to train farmers at the grassroots.