| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立屏東科技大學 === 熱帶農業暨國際合作研究所 === 94 === This study was conducted in order to assess the training needs for vegetable farmers in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and to design appropriate training to improve vegetable production and marketing in Pohnpei. Agriculture still play an important role in Pohnpei, FSM because of its role in providing income, food, employment opportunities and including its important contribution to the traditional activities. Therefore, it remains important to the economy although the production is lower than the past times.
The FSM census 2000, indicated that out of the total population of 38,000, an estimated 80% depend on subsistence or semi-subsistence livelihood. However, traditional subsistence foods have been overwhelmingly replaced by imported foods and are regarded as inferior (“starchy foods”), and not fully recognized for their economic or nutritional value. Pohnpei, FSM 2002 statistics report indicated that food import totaled $28.2 million, of which about $1.4 million were fruits and vegetables.
There is a great potential for commercial production especially for those crops that are imported. The total amount of fruits and vegetables imported could be replaced by locally grown products. There is high demand for locally grown vegetables in the domestic market but the supply is inadequate and also inconsistent to meet the local demand, as shown in the appendix 3. Vegetable farming requires special knowledge and skills to be more productive. Continuous training in vegetable production and marketing is essential in order to stabilize or increase the productivity.
Therefore, in this study a survey was conducted with the vegetable farmers in Pohnpei, FSM to make and assessment on their knowledge and skills in production and marketing and to design appropriate training needs to increase their production as well as their income.
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