Trial management is essential amongst the key competencies that are needed to deliver high-quality research trials. The Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) is a six (6) years World Bank funded research project which seeks to promote a regional approach to agricultural technology generation and dissemination by supporting, strengthening and scaling up Regional Centers of Leadership (RCoL) on commodities of regional importance. Lesotho is establishing a RCoL on horticulture and horticulture-based farming systems. APPSA implementation is based on collaborative R&D projects, hence the need to strengthen the capacity of key personnel in research related topics.
In Lesotho, eight (8) Research Technical Officers (RTOs) and twenty-five (25) Research Field Attendants (RFAs) have been capacitated by APPSA on trial management as they are expected to assist scientists in these issues. The first day was meant for RTOs and the second day for RFAs while the third day was field practical work for both groups.
The RCoL coordinator Ms. Monica Lephole expressed satisfaction during her opening remarks that the long overdue workshop was finally conducted. She indicated that RTOs and RFAs play a critical role in agricultural research activities particularly in managing trials and demonstrations. Ms. Lephole highlighted that without skilled RTOs and RFAs scientists would not conduct research trials with ease hence the importance of constant trainings. She pleaded with the participants that after the training they should carry out their duties seriously to avoid faulty research findings.
The participants were also refreshed on Lesotho public service act and codes of good conduct at the workplace by the human resource officer. Trial design and layout; soil sampling and fertilizer description; basic crop husbandry; basic plant health and protection as well as field safety measures were included in the training package for the participants.
Mr Teboho Lekhema on behalf of the participants expressed his gratitude to APPSA-Lesotho for considering both RTOs and RFAs for the training. He highlighted that there is a need to train recently recruited officers and refresher trainings for those that have been in the work environment for some time. Mr Lekhema indicated that the training was insightful hence the participants are in a position to execute their duties with ease. He pleaded with the participants to double their efforts in ensuring successful research undertakings.
Source: APPSA Lesotho
