Bridging the Knowledge-Practice Gap through Participatory Field Distillation of Eucalyptus Essential Oils in Punjab, Pakistan
Participatory Eucalyptus Oil Distillation in Punjab
Keywords:
Essential oil extraction, Training-of-Trainers (ToT), Cohen’s d, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Capacity buildingAbstract
Smallholder farmers in Pakistan struggle to adopt eucalyptus essential oil extraction (EOE) technologies due to limited technical knowledge and weak institutional support, resulting in suboptimal yields and inefficient practices. This study evaluates participatory field distillation demonstrations using a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) approach to enhance farmers’ knowledge and practices in Attock District, Punjab. Hands-on sessions and practical demonstrations covered key extraction processes, while pre- and post-intervention interviews assessed changes in knowledge and practices. Paired t-tests indicated significant improvements in harvest timing, extraction procedures, oil yield, and safety practices, with a large overall effect (Cohen’s d = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.28). Heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 67%, p = 0.0013), reflecting variable training outcomes, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) further supported positive shifts in farmers’ perceptions and readiness to adopt EOE technology. While causal inference is limited by the absence of a control group, the findings suggest that participatory field-based ToT demonstrations are associated with meaningful improvements in farmers’ technical knowledge and practices. The study offers practical insights for extension agencies and policymakers seeking to design scalable capacity-building programs to support sustainable essential oil production and rural livelihoods in Pakistan.
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The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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