Abstract

GUEVARA-HERNANDEZ, Francisco et al. Farmers perceptions on the impact of the Program for Local Innovation in Agriculture (PIAL) in Pinar del Río, Cuba. cultrop [online]. 2012, vol.33, n.3, pp. 69-79. ISSN 0258-5936.

This article analyzes the perceptions regarding the impact of the Program for Local Innovation in Agriculture (PIAL) on the farmers’ capacity building or strengthening, through a retrospective (2000) and current (2010) self-evaluation in four farmer schools in Pinar del Río province, Cuba. Field research was carried out during February-June, 2010. The approach was through a combination of socio-anthropological methods through individual semi-structured interviews, participatory workshops and farm visits. The information was systematized in tables and figures for trend analysis in terms of before and after situations. The results show that farmers perceive for the past a less capacity for innovation, poor soil fertility management and low levels of production. Despite having significantly improved through their involvement and participation in farmer schools, farmers pointed out that: better skills to improve soil management, increase production and having better knowledge to domestic and organizational innovation are still required. The participants in farmer schools have definitely improved their skills and the PIAL has been a crucial factor and an action space to enhance their living conditions.

Keywords : evaluation; participatory approaches; schools.

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