Farmer training is essentially an agricultural extension education with a non-formal function, which applies to any institution that disseminates information and advice with the intention of promoting knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations. When systematically and effectively provided, extension is known to enhance social and economic development. In terms of agricultural extension systems, different approaches can be employed to organize and implement extension activities. Each approach may be conceived as appropriate in particular circumstances and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of KATC training approaches in improving smallholders’ irrigated rice productivity whereby two irrigation schemes, namely, Mombo and Mwega irrigation schemes in Korogwe and Kilosa districts respectively were selected. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in the study. A simple structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used in data collection from a sample of 122 respondents, which included three categories of trained farmers and extension officers. The study findings revealed statistical significant differences at p<0.000 between means among the trained farmers towards their preferences to the use of KF-IF-OF extension approach. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents 102 (94.4%) preferred field training approaches, 100 respondents (92.6%) preferred demonstrations and farmer managed trials, and 99 respondents (91.7%) field and farmers days. Since the KFs and the IFs had higher levels of adoption in 18 out of 24 innovations, the study concludes that the KF-IF-OF extension approach was effectiveiii in dissemination and increasing the adoption of innovations within the first two categories of KFs and IFs. Of all the 108 respondents, 88 (81.5%) indicated that the greatest strength of the KATC training approaches was the participatory nature of all approaches used in the training programme. However, the study results revealed that the IFs had more weaknesses in fulfilling the training requirement than the KFs. Generally, the study findings imply that the KF-IF-OF approach had been effective in increasing the adoption of innovations leading to an increase in irrigated rice yields. This study recommends that in order to deliver effective and efficient extension services to other farmers through KF-IF-OF extension approach, the KATC should give KFs and IFs appropriate and adequate training suitable in solving common problems encountered in implementing their roles as farmers and as farmer extensionists.Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperative