Practical Assessment of the Effectiveness of Beekeeping Training Courses Using Return on Investment

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Khadijeh Bazrafkan
Hasan Alipour
Department of Socio-Economic and Agricultural Extension Research, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
10.48311/jast.2026.16882
Abstract
The effectiveness and Return On Investment (ROI) of agricultural training programs have always been among the most significant challenges for experts and managers in agricultural extension and development. Based on this, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of beekeeping training courses using the ROI technique. This study is applied and quasi-experimental research, conducted by collecting data in two phases: before and after the training course. The data collection tool was a semi-structured, researcher-made questionnaire. Additionally, the ROI calculation was carried out through a nine-step process, enabling the assessment of ROI for both participants of the beekeeping training courses and the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO). In this process, along with tangible and/or monetary effects, intangible and non-monetary impacts were also quantified. The findings indicated that, on average, beekeeping training courses had a 1302% return on investment for participants. Furthermore, these courses yielded an average ROI of 770% for AREEO. The results provide strong evidence supporting the enhancement and expansion of beekeeping training courses and similar programs conducted by AREEO. Moreover, the findings serve as a starting point for further research on evaluating the impacts of agricultural training programs, ultimately supporting decision-making and investment development in training farmers and agricultural beneficiaries.
Keywords
Effects of agricultural training
Decision-making tool
Return on investment for individuals
Return on investment for the organization
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 28, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 571-588