What influences transfer of training in an African agricultural research network?

Purpose: This study determined the extent to which transfer of training among trainees from national partners of an international bean research network in Africa was perceived to have taken place; including determining the factors that predicted transfer of training back to the job. Methodology/approach: Online data collection using the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (LTSI) from 139 respondents was made and analyzed using bivariate correlations and hierarchical multiple regression. Findings: An average of 75% of the training skills were perceived as transferred. 'Personal capacity' significantly predicted transfer, while 'motivation to transfer', 'transfer design', 'supervisor', and 'peer support' positively correlated with training transfer. Theoretical implications: The LTSI factors remain relevant explanations for training transfer with in African agricultural research and development organizations. Certain work environments are likely to have new factors such as 'Supervisor and peer' support which operated as one explanatory factor for training transfer, revealed the closeness of supervisors and peers in agricultural research and development settings. Practical implications: The international agricultural research network needs to consider the trainees' ability to transfer new training given workload-related hindrances. Originality/value: The applicability of the LTSI for international agencies that conduct training for agricultural research and development in Africa has been tested. Such institutions need policies that enhance trainee capacity to transfer training to the work place.