Evaluation
Full Evaluation Results
The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (UMCA) developed a set of two surveys to evaluate the results of the Agroforestry Academy, a one week "Train-the-trainer" program held on August 5-9, 2013 in Columbia, Missouri.
The first two days of the Academy included workshops (comprehensive classroom presentations) on the latest science and practice in support of agroforestry practices plus information intended to assist landowners develop financial budgets for agroforestry practices and market the products they grow. Days three and four consisted of visits to practitioners' farms with established agroforestry sites along with a "hands-on case study" farm that does not yet contain agroforestry. The academy concluded with an agroforestry design exercise which summed up all the knowledge and experience received during the week. The case study design exercise (with small group presentations and follow up discussions) facilitated experience in the implementation of agroforestry design and encouraged collaborative learning community efforts. The planning process helped participants envision how agroforestry practices can be successfully integrated on a farm. Lunch and dinner also included presentations from a number of agroforestry practitioners, partner agencies and group discussions. All presentations were recorded and will be made available on the Center for Agroforestry website to reach a wider audience and to be available for later use.
At the beginning of the academy, a survey was administered to all participants to assess both their motivation to participate in this event and the level of knowledge about the topics presented. At the end of the week, a second survey was administered to assess the participants' perception about the event, to determine the level of satisfaction with the content and organization, the gain in knowledge after listening to the presentations, assess how the academy changed their interest in agroforestry and future involvement.
The evaluation surveys had the following objectives:
- Document the demographic characteristics of the participants at the Agroforestry Academy
- Identify participants' motivation to attend the academy.
- Evaluate participants' reaction to the content and organization of the academy.
- Assess the level of knowledge before the academy related to specific topics and compare it with the level of knowledge after the academy to estimate the gain in knowledge.
- Obtain suggestions that will help better organize similar events in future years.
- Obtain participants' input related to the implementation of agroforestry practices (e.g., drivers and barriers for agroforestry adoption, training and assistance needs).
In conclusion, the first Agroforestry Academy was very successful. It contributed to broader agroforestry knowledge base among resource professionals, greater partnering across agencies, and potential for increased support by professionals toward landowner adoption of agroforestry and other integrated, and perennial land management practices.
The participants' comments and recommendations are a valuable resource for improving future efforts in organizing similar events and for increasing farmers' awareness, acceptance and adoption of agroforestry.