The effectiveness of Video mediated learning and farm demonstrations on the uptake of improved sorghum technologies in Embu County, Kenya

There exists an emerging and yet unexploited video mediated learning extension platform capable of disseminating agricultural technologies fast to farmers within and without the technological implementation site. A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of agricultural video mediated learning tools and farm demonstrations approach in the implementation of selected improved sorghum technologies in Embu County, Kenya. A total of 66 farmers were categorized into three groups of 22 each for video mediated learning, farm demonstrations and control for implementing improved sorghum technologies. Primary data were gathered, analyzed and presented by descriptive statistics. The results indicated that majority of the farmers were adults and literate. An evaluation tool was used to determine the uptake and implementation of various technologies. Comparatively, the video mediated learning approach was rated effective in enhancing farmers’ uptake and implementation of techniques such as seed selection, planting methods and weeds control, to farm demonstrations approach which enhanced uptake of land preparations techniques exclusively. It was concluded that video mediated learning approach had a high comparative advantage of creating awareness through its audio-visual power by stimulating social learning behavior among the farmers. Therefore video mediated learning tools and farm demonstrations can be used as complimentary approaches by extension agents in cases where resources are limited.