Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Program Option
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Advisor
Dr. David Nii Tackie
Co-advisor/Committee Member One
Dr. Youssouf Diabate
Committee Member Two
Dr. Franklin Quarcoo
Committee Member Three
Dr. Jannette R. Bartlett
Comittee Member Four
Dr. Tej Gautam
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate record keeping and related skills training for small farm producers in the Alabama Black Belt. The specific objectives were to (1) examine socioeconomic characteristics, and (2) describe and assess the extent to which participants view training and how they have used the knowledge they acquired by participating in the sessions. The data used for the study were derived from a group of small farm producers in the Alabama Black Belt using convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation analysis.
The results showed that most of the participants were part-time producers (78%), males (74%), Blacks (91%), and 55 years or older (52%). A majority had a four-year college degree or higher (56%), with 78% having some college education or more; and 52% reported household incomes of $40,000 or higher. Also, 70% of the participants attended the workshops to improve their farms’ performance. All the participants rated the sessions positively, with 91% rating them “excellent” or “very good.” A majority (87%) also reported applying the knowledge gained, especially in record keeping and financial management, farm management and production, and marketing and sales planning. Additionally, a majority indicated that the most beneficial aspects of the workshops was tracking of records and finances, as well as sharing information and networking.
Correlation analysis revealed some statistically significant relationships between demographic characteristics and selected views and/or reactions to the workshop. For example the relationship between age and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops showed a negative and significant relationship between reasons for participation, overall provision of the workshops, and how well workshops met expectations, and whether they had used the information. Also, the relationship between farming status and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops had negative and significant relationships with reason for participation, overall provision of the workshop, and how well the workshops met expectations. Further, the relationship between education and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops had a positive and significant relationships with the reason for participation.
The study suggests that age, farming status, and education may be of importance in views and/or reactions to producers’ participation in record keeping and related skills training for small farm producers. These findings reflect short-term impacts. However, further studies are suggested to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Nath, Ashmita, "An Evaluation of Record Keeping and Related Skills Training for Small Farm Producers in The Alabama Black Belt" (2025). College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7.
https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/caens_etds/7