Transformative effect of a training on the transformation of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Burkina Faso: From satisfaction to learning.

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Résumé

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are emerging as reliable alternatives for ecosystem resilience and food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, their valorization requires the development of processing. Thus, a training on NUS transformation techniques was organized for 39 processors in Burkina Faso. A good understanding of the relationship between the satisfaction perception and the learning level could help in the adoption of NUS processing techniques. The present study aims (i) to evaluate the level of perceived satisfaction of the participants and (ii) to assess the actual level of learning achieved by participants. First, an assessment of the participants’ knowledge of the NUS processing techniques was performed before (BT) and after (AT) the training. Then, through individual semi-structured interviews, participants’ perceived satisfaction was evaluated after the training. The individual scores ranged from 4 to 10, with the majority falling within the interquartile range (Q1 = 5, mean = 6.8, Q3 = 9) for BT, while they varied from 4 to 13, with the majority falling within the interquartile range (Q1 = 7, mean = 8, Q3 = 10) for AT. More than 65.5% of the participants obtained a score below the mean score (6.8) for BT, while the majority (56.4%) obtained a score above the mean score (8) for AT; indicating that the training contributed to improving the participants’ skills. The perceived satisfaction of the participants seems to follow the trend of the scores. In general, the participants were satisfied or very satisfied except for the relevancy of the topics and the consistency between participant profiles and the topics (16.67% were not satisfied). The participants’ satisfaction seems to be based more on the new skills acquired than on a simple feeling of having learned something. This innovative approach could be used to facilitate the promotion of NUS.

Mots-clés

Opportunity crop, rural development, processing, Education for Sustainable Development, participatory learning, SUSTLIVES