13th Annual International Management Conference Proceeding

esearch questions examined the participants’ perceptions regarding the environmental factors that seemed to influence
the transfer of training. The research questions were:
1. What work environment factors influence the transfer of training in agri-businesses?
2. Is there a difference between the environment factors that influence transfer of training in agri-businesses and in
other business organizations?
3. What socio-economic changes in the agri-businesses can be attributed to training?
Research Methodology
The study used a qualitative research design. A fundamental characteristic of qualitative research is its in-depth
exploration of a phenomenon and its context (Denzin & Lincoln, 1994; Fryer, 1991; Patton, 1990).
Data was collected from the total population of thirty (30) participants – twelve (12) in Rift Valley Province and
eighteen (18) in Central Province through semi-structured questionnaires, administered through personal interviews at
their work places. To authenticate the results, data was triangulated through observations and document analysis.
Data collection and analysis were simultaneous as a requirement for a qualitative study (Merriam, 1988; Marshall &
Rossman, 1989). At the same time there was an identification of both the trainee and environment factors that seemed
to influence transfer of training in an entrepreneurial context and the specific business performance improvements
made as a result of the training, thus bringing out its role.
Scope of the Study
The study covered thirty (30) participants who had gone through a one-month enterprise development programme
conducted by the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD). The participants were drawn from Rift
Valley and Central Provinces of Kenya. In Rift Valley Province, the study covered two districts namely Narok and
Nakuru while in Central Province; the districts covered were Thika and Kiambu. The study focused on the application
of the KSAs acquired and changes in business performance arising thereof.
Results and Analysis
Generally, all the participants in both provinces were involved in a variety of farm and non-farm entrepreneurial
activities such as crops, dairy, poultry; merchandizing; public transport and food processing.
However in Rift Valley Province, the participants in Narok District were mainly farming onions and tomatoes as
major crops; grown under irrigation served by permanent rivers (Osupuko and Kanunga areas) and a dam (Maji Moto
area). Farming in Nakuru and Kiambu Districts was restricted to rain water, as the area is not served by any river.
Participants in both Districts tended grade, high milk-yielding cows, while those in Narok District kept local
traditional breeds except for one farmer who had both breeds. There were cases where some trainees had introduced
new breeds revealing risk-taking propensity. One such case was noted in Nakuru District where one farmer had
purchased a new hybrid sheep from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) on a trial basis. He intended to
increase the number if they proved successful so as to enhance milk production and income generation. Within the
same province, there were notable differences in the entrepreneurial intensity among the participants. Though all the
participants in both provinces were engaged in poultry farming, those in Narok District (Maasai community) were
involved in small scale traditional poultry, mainly for domestic consumption, while those in Nakuru District (Kikuyu
community) were engaged in large-scale poultry farming with one of them trying out a new breed, “Kenbrew” which
he had acquired from Ken Chick Ltd. The same was true of the intensity and variety of entrepreneurial activities.
Participants in Narok District engaged in common farm activities such as tomatoes, onions, maize and dairy on limited
scale with no one in non-farm entrepreneurial activities unlike their counterparts in Nakuru and Kiambu Districts, who
were involved in a number of farm and non-farm entrepreneurial activities. However, in both cases there were notable
changes as a result of the training: In Narok District, participants had embraced crop farming which they never did
before while in Nakuru and Kiambu districts, participants had introduced new varieties and diversified into new
entrepreneurial activities such as merchandizing of agricultural inputs and processing which they never did before.
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