9. WORKSHOP EVALUATION

At the end of the workshop participants were invited to complete evaluation forms anonymously. There were thirteen questions dealing with specific aspects of the workshop programme, organization accommodation and facilities.

Participants graded their responses on a scale ranging from A to E (Very Good to Very Poor). The last question was open ended to give a chance for participants to express their opinions on a number of issues. A total of sixty-one completed evaluation forms were returned. A summary of the responses is given below and also pictorially shown on the graph that follows.

The field visits received the highest evaluation score followed by presentation of keynote papers and case studies. Also rated highly were the overall workshop methodology and content and group discussions as well as presentations of field trip results. The item that received the lowest rating was the hotel rooms and services provided. Of the six hotels in which participants resided, the low score may be attributed to Ngandu Tourist Lodge, which was the venue of the workshop. This hotel was a new one and the only one with adequate conference facilities in Rundu. It was partially, still under construction. Thia notwithstanding several participants had verbally referred to the services offered by the lodge as of low quality and hostel staff were rude or just generally unfriendly!

On how the workshop could have been improved, some suggested that more time could have been availed for group work to draft project proposals. Participants also wished that more time had been allocated for field visits.

Suggestions were that few villages could have been visited or if all the villages visited had to be visited, then more time should have been allowed.

Most participants thought that the workshop was well organized. Some participants thought that there was little emphasis on gender and social issues. A few participants thought that workshop of this nature should be conducted during the cropping season for field demonstration and discussions to have more relevance and be more impact.

Participants were particularly impressed by the heavy presence of high-level government officials through out the workshop. Their participation was linked to the interest and the seriousness the government attached to small holder farmer and other development.

Average evaluation scores

Programme elements (ranked) Score
Field visit to discuss with farmers 8.1
Keynote papers and case studies presentations 7.9
Overall workshop methodology and content 7.9
Group discussions & presentations on field trip results 7.8
Overall rating of the workshop 7.6
Group discussions on papers & field demonstrations 7.4
Field demonstration of implements and technologies 7.1
Poster display 6.3
Group work to draft project proposals 6.2
Evening optimal programs 5.7
Hotel rooms and services (meals etc.) 5.3

Mean scores are based on

A=10, B=7, C=5, D=3 & E=0

If all participants rated an element as Very Good, the mean score would be 10. A mean score of 7 represents an overall assessment of "Good and Useful".

A mean of 5 would represent "Acceptable".

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