An assessment of the training needs of crop management research personnel in developing countries

The purpose of the study is to determine the status of crop management research and crop management researchers in NARS, the most appropriate measures to take to address deficiencies, and the degree of congruence between the perceptions of the various stakeholder groups on these issues.Results indicate the need for trained CMR personnel is considered to be the most important in comparison to the various job categories that comprise a NARS. Also indicated is the existence of several problems that negatively affect the efficient and effective functioning of CMR personnel. While chief among these is the inadequate reward system associated with such work, inadequate training, poor linkages with other components of the NARS, and lack of mobility are also highlighted.The skill level of many CM researchers working in developing countries is considered inadequate. This is particularly evident in terms of interface skills: processing information and feedback, and synthesizing outputs for clients and other professionals.The steps indicated in response to this situation include making structural changes (that is, addressing problems associated with the reward system, linkage, and mobility), and providing more training for CMR personnel, particularly in the areas identified as priorities. CMR training provided by the IARCs is considered to be the most useful and, as such, a model for such training. However, indigenous training is also considered appropriate and could do a much better job if it were better funded and if improvements could be made in the recruitment of qualified teachers/trainers and in making available appropriate training materials.Respondents classified by stakeholder group are in general agreement with this assessment. However, differences are apparent. These differences are most obvious when contrasting the views of respondents classified by organizational type, that is, in comparisons of the opinions of national personnel with those of expatriates.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio