Training sessions in Kenya
DLV consultants build a bridge between theory and practice.In many countries, professors and teachers have plenty of theoretical knowledge, but often lack an understanding of how to apply this knowledge in practice. In DLV’s training sessions, we build a bridge between theory and practice.
DLV consultant Mr Groot Wassink visited Kenya to teach about record keeping, cost price analysis, benchmarking and long term planning. At the training, 23 Kenyan professors, consultants and trainers participated. All these participants educate current and future farmers. The goal was to learn how to establish long term planning based on real farm data, market developments and goals.
Collecting data at farms
On the first day of the training, Groot Wassink explained about collecting data. At one particular farm, the participants collected technical and financial data and did the same on the second day at another farm. The next step was comparing this data and evaluating the strong and weak points of the farms. This was valuable experience for the participants, as data collection is quite common in Kenya, but knowledge on interpreting this data is still limited.
Long term planning
Groot Wassink also spent time on the differences between technical and financial data. Using the financial data, the participants practised making a cost price analysis. They then continued with long term planning.
Four groups each worked on a future scenario for the farm. One group calculated what would happen if nothing changed in the management and size of the farm. Another group made a plan based on the goals and ambitions of the farmer. Finally, two groups made a plan based on their own ideas of what would be the best way to develop the farm.
Highly valued training
The training was highly valued by the participants. On a scale of 1 to 10 they rated the training with a 9 on average. They especially appreciated the elements of the training where they learned how to use collected data for management purposes and (long term) calculations. This will help them train current and future farmers in a in a more practical way.