DETERMINANTS OF TRAINING NEEDS OF SMALL RUBBER FARMERS IN KALUTARA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

Abstract

This study examined the training needs of small rubber farmers in Kalutara district of Sri Lanka A multistage purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 390 small farmers in three divisional Secretariats in Kalutara district to ensure representative sample size for the study. The data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage distribution and by employing binary logistic regression model. To verify the impact of the dependent and independent variables, six hypotheses were tested. The study found that experience of farmer, age of farmer, land size and number of hours spent on rubber farming are the primary factors that significantly influence training requirements of rubber farmers in Kalutara district. These findings are consistent with existing research findings of Alarima et al. (2011), Adesoji et al. (2006) and Pierre-André et al. (2010). Further, results showed that the majority of respondents had expressed their needs for training about identification of diseases and chemical application for their land. Second preference was given for correct method of preparation land for the cultivation. The study emphasized that these factors should be highly considered when planning and organizing training for rubber farmers in Sri Lanka for the training to be efficient.