Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension最新文献

{"title":"Diffusion of agricultural knowledge in Southern Ethiopia: finding the real opinion leaders through network analysis","authors":"N. de Roo, T. Amede, E. Elias, C. Almekinders, C. Leeuwis","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1987282","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1987282","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose Agricultural extension services in poor countries often identify opinion leaders based on criteria such as wealth and social status. We explore the effectiveness of this top-down approach by analysing the role of so-called model and nodal farmers in the diffusion of malt barley in a highland community in Ethiopia. Research approach We use a retrospective case study design where we combine quantitative network analysis with qualitative data. Findings Nodal farmers played a more central role in knowledge diffusion of the technology than model farmers. While model farmers were wealthier and better connected to the local authorities, nodal farmers were socio-economically more similar to their fellow farmers. Nodal and model farmers, as well as farmers closely connected to them, had a significantly higher adoption index than the rest. Practical implications The diffusion of knowledge is an important condition for the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, but it is not enough, particularly when access to external inputs is limited. Moreover, relying on assumed opinion leaders has its limitations and may even reinforce existing inequalities. Theoretical implications This paper has shown the complementarity of network approaches. We propose network approaches such as social network analysis to identify community brokers who emerge from bottom-up or clan-based, political, knowledge networks that mediate access to agricultural technologies. Originality Our combined research approach differs from the mainstream of studies in this field that employ either ethnographic fieldwork or (spatial-)econometric methods. We aim to create a bridge between the often separated worlds of (technical) agronomic research, (qualitative) rural sociology, and (quantitative) econometric analysis.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"99 - 115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43770473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Are farmers ready to use phone-based digital tools for agronomic advice? Ex-ante user readiness assessment using the case of Rwandan banana farmers","authors":"M. McCampbell, Julius B. Adewopo, L. Klerkx, C. Leeuwis","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1984955","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1984955","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose Digital extension is widely embraced in African agricultural development, promising unprecedented outcomes and impact. Especially phone-based services attract attention as tools for effective and efficient agricultural extension. To date, assessments of digital extension services are generally ex-post in nature, thus consideration of users and broader systems occurs once an intervention is broadly identified. However, early understanding of user needs, readiness, and relevant context is a prerequisite for successful adoption and sustainable use of digital extension services. We conducted an ex-ante assessment of user readiness (UR) for phone-based services. Design/Methodology/Approach We developed an ex-ante framework to assess UR, considering capabilities, opportunities, and motivations of targeted users. The case study of Rwandan banana farmers served to verify the UR framework, using survey data from 690 smallholder farmers. Findings Findings demonstrate limited capacity to access and use phone-based extension services, especially those requiring a smartphone, and a mismatch between expected UR and actual UR, current capabilities and opportunities. Findings provide entry points for designing suitable digital extension projects and interventions, suggesting a need for capacity building. Practical implications The UR-framework provided understanding about current limitations in farmer readiness for digital extension. This ex-ante approach to explore UR before designing digital interventions for African farmers is recommended. It points at the importance of embedding digital technologies into existing practices and creating blends of ‘digital’ and ‘analogue’ or 'high-tech' and 'low-tech'. Theoretical implications The UR-framework provides a structured approach to developing pre-intervention insights about users and use-context, supporting informed strategizing and decision-making about digital extension. It is a relevant addition to existing readiness frameworks, participatory design methods, and ex-post intervention performance assessments, as part of a balanced readiness level assessment. Originality/Value This is the first ex-ante assessment of UR for digital extension services in an African context, and the first attempt to analyse Rwandan farmers’ readiness for digital extension services.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"29 - 51"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42117316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Makers vs. takers: perceived challenges to food production among agriculturalists in the United States","authors":"Craig Kohn, C. W. Anderson","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1977665","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1977665","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose Numerous factors currently challenge food production in the United States, and these are likely to intensify. We sought to understand what challenges US agriculturalists find to be most salient as well as the responses they recommend. Methodology We gained insights primarily through the analysis of transcripts from the qualitative interviews of 51 agricultural professionals throughout the United States. Findings: The participants most identified challenges that reduced their personal, economic, and environmental agency, including misinformed consumers, depressed commodity prices, increased agribusiness consolidation, ecological degradation. While they doubted the capacity for traditional forms of education and extension to address these challenges, they advocated for more opportunities for social learning and grassroots organization. Theoretical implications These findings support prior research that seeks improved agency for people in rural communities, including social learning opportunities can lead to wider engagement of stakeholders in a manner that can lead to more effective adaptive management strategies. Practical implications and value This work can inform how to design education and extension outreach by expanding dialogue opportunities between farmers and other agriculturalists to enhance adaptive management strategies in agriculture.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"503 - 524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45334123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disentangling the experiential learning process of coffee farmers in Uganda’s innovation platforms","authors":"R. Ochago, D. Dentoni, T. Lans, J. Trienekens","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1977664","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1977664","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose While new rich learning opportunities emerged through the introduction of Innovation Platforms (IPs) in agricultural value chains, the extent to which IPs enhance farmer experiential learning is still unclear. Design/methodology/approach This paper brings clarity to the above question by interviewing 91 coffee IP farmers. Data were analyzed through content analysis to generate overarching themes for farmers’ experiences, learning activities, and outcomes. Findings Results reveal that participation in IP learning activities generates farmers’ knowledge to cope with coffee value chain challenges. Specifically, farmers’ making-meaning of challenges and generating new solutions represents an iteration between individual critical reflection and experimentation of value chain activities. The IPs facilitated multi-directional knowledge flows among farmers by mobilizing necessary resources. Practical implications As many Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) governments cannot provide sufficient extension support, farmers increasingly rely on IPs whose processes stimulate members’ learning commitment and endeavors. Nevertheless, Governments can use these findings to tailor the design and implementation of IPs to farmers’ experiential learning processes. Theoretical implications The study contributes to experiential theory in the context of agriculture by advancing a model on how IPs can accelerate farmers’ experiential learning processes based on the challenges experienced. Originality/value This article extends knowledge of experiential learning in IPs context.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"117 - 148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41544585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Translating the transformative learning approach into practice: the case of a training of trainers’ pilot in client-centred extension approach","authors":"M. Gerster-Bentaya, A. Knierim, Beatriz Herrera Sabillón","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953549","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose To analyse the experiential learning approach to induce attitudinal change in the Ethiopian agricultural extension system to transform services from a top-down teaching to a participatory and interactive way. Design/Methodology/Approach Reconstruction of three training of trainers’ pilot trainings in a regional Ethiopian extension system from 2017 to 2020. The article analyses authors’ reflections and trainees’ self-assessment of the process and learning outcomes in view of the experiential and transformative learning perspective. Findings The article showcases how theories are translated to concept development and application of an innovative training of trainers’ pilot. It describes the actors, processes, outcomes and main learnings of a repeated training of trainers. Experiential learning-based training has the potential to activate individual agents as starting points that enable transformative changes in the Ethiopian extension system. In order to increase that potential, such a design should consider the prerequisites inside the extension system and among its agents. Practical implications The study offers insights for practitioners working towards enhancing the competences of agricultural advisors. Based on learned lessons, it serves as a guidance in the design of training the trainer approaches in similar contexts and whenever reorganisation of advisory services is required. Theoretical implications There is a need to include the long-term dynamics of knowledge and attitudes between individuals and their organisations; the way how organisations learn and transform themselves and how systematic reflections can be used to better assess the effectiveness of innovative training methods for more participatory advisory systems. Originality/Value The iterative sequence of theories, concepts, application, and outcomes, and referring back to concepts, and the clear demonstration of peer learning processes.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"187 - 207"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46065095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of on-farm demonstration events in the EU: role of structural characteristics","authors":"F. Marchand, H. Cooreman, E. Pappa, I. Perifanos, Y. Alexopoulos, L. Debruyne, H. Chiswell, J. Ingram, A. Koutsouris","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2020.1847151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2020.1847151","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose The objective of this paper is to undertake an in-depth exploration of how structural characteristics of on-farm demonstration events impact the effectiveness of the demonstration as perceived by participants. Methodology An explanatory mixed-methods approach was used based on the responses to 356 post-demonstration questionnaires filled out by the attendees of 31 demonstration events held in 12 EU countries in 2018, together with the qualitative data from an observation tool, interviews and case study reports relating to the same 31 events. Factor analysis was employed to predict general effectiveness, complemented with a qualitative analysis of participants’ responses to improve the understanding of the quantitative results. Findings Results indicate that peer-to-peer learning activities and good facilitation increase participants’ perception of the effectiveness of a demonstration event. Furthermore, characteristics such as the structure of the day, the suitability of the host farm, a trustworthy demonstrator, and group size add much to the effectiveness of a demo event. Group dynamics – including group connectedness and composition – have the potential to impact perceived effectiveness. Practical implications The paper contains clear messages for practitioners when designing a demonstration event. Theoretical implications Our results connect with theories on motivation and adult learning in the context of farmer learning during on-farm demonstration. Originality The paper is based on a rich empirical dataset. It reveals that group size and learning methods are crucial to achieve effective learning outcomes during demonstration events.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"27 1","pages":"677 - 697"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45858245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What is quality, innovative research?","authors":"K. Davis","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1947717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1947717","url":null,"abstract":"Dear Readers, I recently went to my editor-in-chief tasks for the Journal and ended up desk rejecting four out of five manuscripts that I was supposed to assign to the editors. Our other editor-in-chief Prof. Klerkx has already discussed how to avoid desk rejections in JAEE (Klerkx 2020). Let me add to that by explaining what the Journal understands as quality research, and the criteria we use to evaluate manuscripts (by editors who can desk reject before a review and by reviewers). Quality research starts from the research proposal and goes through to final dissemination of results. Quality research means you have thoroughly examined the relevant theoretical frameworks and situated your researchable problem within this literature. It means that you have obtained ethical clearance and conducted the research in an ethical manner. It means you have used the most appropriate methods and have ensured the reliability and validity of the data. It means you have clearly and succinctly written up the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, and the practical and policy implications of your work (as well as what your research means for the underlying theory). According to our aims and scope, the Journal is","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"27 1","pages":"421 - 422"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1947717","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48451892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How to assess agricultural innovation systems in a transformation perspective: a Delphi consensus study","authors":"A. Toillier, S. Mathé, Abdoulaye Saley Moussa, G. Faure","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953548","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953548","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose This article explores to what extent a Delphi consensus study can help in designing a framework for assessing agricultural innovation systems (AIS), and this in a perspective of transformation of these systems in a diversity of countries. Approach First, we reviewed the diversity of existing assessment methodologies in terms of their assessment rationales and associated epistemological and methodological debates. Second, we facilitated a process of framework design through an adapted group-based Delphi technique that we developed, based on an expert dialogue format with an initial online survey and six rounds of enriched controlled feedback. Findings The adapted Delphi process appears to be effective since experts reached a consensus on a capacity-oriented assessment model with standardized and flexible components. Dissenting views remained but were suggested as a basis for further research, with a focus on the nature and use of high-level indicators and on ways facilitating the use of evidence by decision-makers in a capacity development perspective. Several factors that triggered and hindered consensus building during the Delphi process were detected. Practical implications A number of lessons were drawn to enhance participation and consensus in further Delphi studies applied to framework design. Theoretical implications Our study underscores the different worldviews on transformation and assessment of AIS. It opens the way for the use of group-based Delphi studies to initiate the co-production of knowledge on AIS science at the international level. Originality The value of Delphi studies in addressing framework design issues has been little explored so far.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"163 - 185"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953548","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45217289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge production and communication in on-farm demonstrations: putting farmer participatory research and extension into practice","authors":"Anda Adamsone-Fiskovica, Mikelis Grivins","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953551","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose The paper investigates the multi-actor processes of knowledge co-production in the implementation of research-based on-farm demonstration with a focus on collaboration arrangements and areas of contention. Design/Methodology/Approach Building on science studies and literature on farmer participatory research and extension, the paper uses a case study of a demonstration project in Latvia to analyse the processes of agenda-setting, knowledge co-production and communication in an arrangement that brings together farmers, advisors, and scientists. Findings Multiple tensions exist between the perspectives and practices of stakeholders along the different stages of the on-farm trial and the demonstration process, leading to a series of trade-offs between initial conceptions and practical implementation. The challenges relate to balancing expert- and user-driven processes, negotiating claims for scientific knowledge, and integrating knowledge transfer and peer-to-peer learning. Practical implications The analysis allows using evidence-based knowledge for designing on-farm trials and demonstrations that take account of the possible pitfalls in multi-stakeholder collaborative arrangements. Theoretical implications The paper demonstrates the applicability of the concepts of co-production of knowledge, scientific knowledge claims, and expertise for the investigation of agricultural knowledge production and its governance. Originality/Value The study contributes to the body of literature on evaluations of farmer participatory research and extension and the broader debate on the strengths and shortcomings of participatory arrangements by adding qualitative insights into their process dimension.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"479 - 502"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953551","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48691969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-resourcing and actors’ practices as catalysts for agricultural innovation","authors":"Evagelos D. Lioutas, C. Charatsari, M. De Rosa, Giuseppe La Rocca, M. Černič Istenič","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953547","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose In this work, we aim to shed light on how co-resourcing and actors’ practices impact the agricultural innovation process. Design/Methodology/Approach In a first step, we conceptualized agricultural innovation as the process during which actors exchange solutions that enable innovation to emerge. To provide these solutions, actors integrate operand and operant resources while simultaneously changing the context within which the innovation process takes place through their practices. By using three case studies, we present how co-resourcing and actors’ practices catalyze agricultural innovation. Findings Actors participate in solution networks having different aims. After setting forth value propositions, they engage in co-resourcing processes, using a wide array of practices (even ‘dark’ ones) to extract value from the innovation. Practical Implications This study suggests the need for both research and policy to pay close attention to the process of co-resourcing and the practices used by actors involved in agricultural innovation networks. Theoretical Implications The present work reveals that actors who have access to or own key resources take dominant positions in innovation networks, thus having the potential to form institutions in a way that serves their individual interests. Originality/value This study uncovers that actors’ practices during co-resourcing catalyze the agricultural innovation process.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"209 - 229"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1953547","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41481904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}