The U-shaped figure summarizes the recommendations for maize production, from seed to food. The semicircular U is also the seating arrangement for the training courses. Nur explains that farmers and trainers sit together in a semicircle to foster a sense of equality, encourage participation, and get away from formal teaching styles. Training aids consist of simple picture posters and props.

Trainers are asked to “keep training seminars active, fun, and varied to maintain interest levels and enhance retention.” Females and males are encouraged to participate equally. The production recommendations are not complicated, and key messages are repeated through different training mediums.

At the end of the two-hour training seminars, each family is presented with practical incentives for trying the new technologies: a two-kilogram bag of hybrid maize seed, a maize cultivation manual depicting key recommendations, a certificate for completing the course, and the equivalent of US$ 2.50 to cover transportation costs.

In every locality, nearly 100% of the invited families came to the workshop. Nur’s teams attribute the high attendance to the excellent relationships between field workers and their clientele, the personalized invitations, and the selection of convenient training venues.