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INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE TRAINING ON LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR

Extension Education

Alejandro Bolques
EXT AGT 2 HORT.
Florida A&M University
QUINCY

Abstract

Guayaquil is the largest most populous city in Ecuador. City renovations such as expansions of levees, squares, parks, and some districts have turned Guayaquil into a national and international tourist destination. The expansion of green spaces has produced an appetite for new and exotic plant materials, which has created a shortage of trained landscape personnel. Horticultural research and educational training programs are very limited resulting in fewer opportunities for quality landscape training for landscapers and homeowners. Quality training, especially for landscapers, is critical to the economic viability of the horticulture industry. To this end, a two week training program was developed for commercial landscape and nursery workers and for homeowners. A team of two Extension Agents conducted a two week landscape maintenance short course for commercial and homeowner groups. The first week of training targeted the commercial group, n=45, while the second week included the homeowners, n=40. At the end of the programs, at least 30% (n=27) of the participants indicated a better understanding of water issues. As is typical in Latin America, machete pruning was the main method for trimming trees and shrubs. A large part of the hands-on training was devoted to pruning techniques. These hands-on sessions provided an excellent opportunity to emphasize learned techniques and an opportunity to provide additional information that they could use in the trade. End of program survey showed that at least 90% (81) of the participants increased their knowledge and gained new skills for the green industry.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: * A. Bolques, L.M. Seals, P. Vergot, W. Bowen
  1. Bolques, *. Extension Agent II, Florida A&M University, Florida, 32351
  2. Seals, L. Extension Agent, University of Florida/IFAS, Florida, 32926
  3. Vergot, P. Northwest District Extension Director, University of Florida/IFAS, Florida, 32351
  4. Bowen, W. Director of Internation Programs, University of Florida/IFAS, Florida, 32611