Experiential Learning in Agriculture Education: A Zimbabwean Experience
Xavier Edziwa, John Chakamba, Cryton Jumo, Misozi Chiweshe

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore experiential learning of agriculture students whilst on attachment, in their second year of training. The study sought the views of twenty-four randomly chosen third year students from an agriculture college in Zimbabwe. Focus was on three key areas; organisation of attachment, quality of work experience and the process i.e. the extent to which students from agriculture college easily accessed placements for farm attachment and quality of exposure students got. The study also looked at students’ perceptions of the worthiness of the exposure in terms of production technologies involved and quality of mentorship. Data were collected by means of questionnaire with open-ended questions. Responses were grouped according to key emerging themes. The study established, among others, that getting farm attachment, in Zimbabwe, is a nightmare for students, most farm providing attachment are operating at a low technological level and most students feel used as cheap labour as they are not given financial assistance.

Full Text: PDF