Evaluation of Urban Agriculture Training Courses Using Kirkpatrick’s Model

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate urban agricultural education effectiveness based on the Kirkpatrick model in Tehran, Iran. The study participants of this research were included all citizens participated in educational and counselling centers focused on flowers and plants in district two of Tehran municipality during 2016. The study participants consisted of 160 individuals, including 80 in thecase group and 80 in the control group. The case group participated in urban agriculture training courses and the control group did not receive any training courses. The result showed a significant difference between the knowledge status of citizens before and after attending educational courses (p<0.01). Also, more than 86% of the citizens perceived the courses' effectiveness at moderate to high levels. In addition, there was a significant difference between the case and control groups in terms of reaction and behaviorlevels (p<0.01). The present study found that the urban agriculture training courses for citizens exhibited considerable effectiveness in the measurement results of the three levels of the Kirkpatrick model and that overall, the course had received positive evaluations. Therefore, the setraining courses can be recommended to enhance the knowledge of citizens about urban agriculture.