The primary problem of this study was to establish a plan for evaluating university extension programs through a review of the literature and standards for accreditation.

The impact of farmer training in Botswana in terms of its influence on farmers’ production efficiency is not well known. The objectives of this study have been to investigate the factors that determine the adoption and non-adoption of agricultural technologies, establish how farmers contribute to the training program, and determine the impact of the knowledge gained from the training program. A structured questionnaire was administered to 223 respondents, from these respondents 153 farmers attended training, twenty-one respondents were never trained, thirty-three were frontline extension agents, nine support staff, five instructors and two managers. The respondents were from five districts of Kgatleng, Kweneng south, and Kweneng north, Kweneng west, and Southeast. The study revealed that intervening variables are the determinants of behaviour change, and the effect of the independent variables is manifested in them. It was established that age, education and farm size seems to have an influence on adoption of technologies. While gender, farming experience, land ownership, and membership to farmer organization did not influence adoption of technologies. The results indicated that most of the farmers were not involved in identifying the courses they attended, as indicated by 65 percent of the respondents. This was confirmed by 80 percent of respondents who indicated that extension agents suggested the courses. The findings of the study show that most of the respondents agreed that knowledge gained from training is very useful. This was reported by 45 percent of respondents who indicated moderate impact on their production due to training, 46 percent indicated that they used the knowledge often, while 36 percent of respondents never used the knowledge since training. The most important factor revealed by the study contributing to non-adoption of technologies is lack of resources. This is related to need, perception and participation of farmers in identifying the courses they attend. During follow-ups made by extension staff on trained farmers, the results show that the status of acquired knowledge is usually negative; this was stated by 64% of the respondents, as such indicating that there was no implementation. This affirms the fact that 36 percent of respondents never used the knowledge, while 36 percent did not realize any impact at all on their production efficiency due to training. The study concluded that for training to be effective, extension has to address the needs and perception of trainees. This will address lack of resources, which contribute to non-adoption of technologies. Compatibility of acquired knowledge to the situation of respondents is another factor to be considered in training. It is concluded that the needs of respondents determine adoption behaviour, which finally influences production efficiency. Based on the findings of this study, factors identified to influence adoption and non-adoption of technologies and issues raised, it is recommended that more research should be done to address implementation of acquired knowledge and how to measure the impact of training. / Dissertation (MSc (Agricultural Extension))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / MSc / unrestricted

Core is defined as the central, innermost, most essential part of anything. In dance every technique and movement requires intense control, which is provided by core strength. The core in the human body is the torso that consists of the abdominal muscles. These muscles cover the rib cage and protect the lungs which are the respiratory center for the body. Breath control is one of the best ways to garner focus for the dancer. In this thesis, the concept of the"core" becomes the basis for the design of a building devoted to dance and located within the city. Since a defined core is crucial to the dancer in order to have a fluid performance, its existence within the building's design needs to have an outstanding presence and role. This guiding component for this thesis in combination with site investigation, research, and design process will lead to the conceptualization and final product of the Dance and Performance Arts Center. / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this study was to explore and to examine the relationship among Mississippi Master Gardeners’ characteristics, motives for volunteering as a Master Gardener, satisfaction serving as a Master Gardener, organizational commitment, and intention to leave the Mississippi Master Gardener Program. Specifically, this research sought to determine what drives or motivates Mississippi Master Gardener volunteers to volunteer, what satisfies them, and what makes these volunteers consider leaving the Mississippi State University Extension Master Gardener programs. This study used a descriptive survey research design to examine the relationship between the variables. Sixty-one items encompassed the five-part survey which was completed by volunteers. Part 1, volunteer characteristics, included 11 items. Part 2 motives for volunteering, included 30 items. Part 3, satisfaction, included three items. Part 4, organizational commitment, had 15 items. Finally, Part 5, intention to leave, consisted of three items. The sample size of this study was 600 Master Gardener volunteers from 44 of the 52 counties listed as active on the Mississippi State University Extension website at the time the study was conducted. These counties were selected using cluster random sampling. Electronic and paper surveys were used, with electronic surveys being completed by most respondents. Organizational commitment and satisfaction were the greatest predictors of intention to leave the Mississippi Master Gardener program. If volunteers are not satisfied with their positions or feel a strong commitment to the organization, there is a high probability of their leaving the organization, no matter how strong their commitment is to the organization or what motivates them to volunteer. Salas (2008) also found satisfaction to be a key predictor with intention to leave. These research efforts strive to increase the understanding of why Master Gardeners volunteer, with the hope that this knowledge will aid in strengthening the program in the future. Findings could improve organizational practices, volunteer training procedures or frequency of surveys to assess volunteer satisfaction or intention to leave or organizational products, publications or educational materials that support the Mississippi Master Gardener program.

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