Pub Date : 2022-10-31DOI: 10.1080/1389224x.2022.2138928
Sinéad Flannery, Karen Keaveney, F. Murphy
{"title":"‘It’s solely for the “Green Cert”': understanding young peoples’ motivation for engaging in agricultural education","authors":"Sinéad Flannery, Karen Keaveney, F. Murphy","doi":"10.1080/1389224x.2022.2138928","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224x.2022.2138928","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60148646","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}
Pub Date : 2022-10-20DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2121903
L. Sutherland, P. Labarthe
{"title":"Introducing ‘microAKIS’: a farmer-centric approach to understanding the contribution of advice to agricultural innovation","authors":"L. Sutherland, P. Labarthe","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2121903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2121903","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"525 - 547"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46644372","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}
Pub Date : 2022-10-15DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2131585
S. Kiconco, J. Stevens, K. Akankwasa, J. Kubiriba
ABSTRACT Purpose: This study assesses the available networks and linkages for effective information exchange and service delivery among actors in the banana value chain and develops a set of specific recommendations for policy, institutional and human resource development. Methodology: We used an exploratory case study design using Focus group discussions and Key informant interviews for data collection. Data were analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to establish the actors who were influential in facilitating information exchange and service delivery in the banana value chain. Findings: We identified farmer groups and regulatory bodies as the most influential actors in facilitating information exchange and service delivery. However, they were more recipients than determinants of information and services. Network density results (0.256–0.283) show low cohesiveness among the actors, implying that less than 30% of the potential linkages are utilised for information exchange and service delivery. Practical implications: Extension and other practitioners should aim at network building taking advantage of existing knowledge and service linkages with the farmers as mechanisms to help expand and sustain their last-mile reach. Theoretical implications: SNA is relevant for assessing the contribution of various actors in the exchange of appropriate information and services. It recognises potential networks which hinder or contribute to information and service delivery among the actors. Originality: This paper contributes to literature on systems approaches and institutional development to address the challenges of information dissemination and service delivery among the actors in the banana value chain.
{"title":"Agricultural information exchange and service delivery within social networks: evidence from Uganda’s banana value chain actors","authors":"S. Kiconco, J. Stevens, K. Akankwasa, J. Kubiriba","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2131585","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2131585","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: This study assesses the available networks and linkages for effective information exchange and service delivery among actors in the banana value chain and develops a set of specific recommendations for policy, institutional and human resource development. Methodology: We used an exploratory case study design using Focus group discussions and Key informant interviews for data collection. Data were analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to establish the actors who were influential in facilitating information exchange and service delivery in the banana value chain. Findings: We identified farmer groups and regulatory bodies as the most influential actors in facilitating information exchange and service delivery. However, they were more recipients than determinants of information and services. Network density results (0.256–0.283) show low cohesiveness among the actors, implying that less than 30% of the potential linkages are utilised for information exchange and service delivery. Practical implications: Extension and other practitioners should aim at network building taking advantage of existing knowledge and service linkages with the farmers as mechanisms to help expand and sustain their last-mile reach. Theoretical implications: SNA is relevant for assessing the contribution of various actors in the exchange of appropriate information and services. It recognises potential networks which hinder or contribute to information and service delivery among the actors. Originality: This paper contributes to literature on systems approaches and institutional development to address the challenges of information dissemination and service delivery among the actors in the banana value chain.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"679 - 698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49182648","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-29DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125409
M. Mulkerrins, M. Gottstein, M. Gorman, T. Russell, M. Ryan, M. B. Lynch
ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the influence of monitor farm programmes on practice change using the Irish BETTER farm sheep programme as a case study. Methodology: A mixed methods approach combining 16 semi-structured and 69 structured interviews with benchmarking data analysis. Findings: Provision of intensive, tailored advice helped support practice change on the participating monitor farms. They increased productivity through changes in management practices, which positively impacted on financial performance. Monitor farmers also positively influenced members of their associated discussion groups to make practice changes. Practical Implications: Practical recommendations for similar programmes are discussed such as the need for different and additional extension approaches to influence and support the adoption of more complex practices and the potential for greater input from farmers into the design and implementation of extension programmes. Theoretical Implications: From a practice change perspective evaluating the influence of a more structured participatory extension programme (PEP) on a participating farmer is easier than the evaluation of the influence of the PEP on the wider farming community, particularly when the evaluation is not incorporated into the original programme design. Originality: Adding to the relatively small number of PEP evaluations in developed countries, the influence of monitor farm programmes on both the monitor farmer and their associated discussion group peers is examined for a wide range of practices using a mixed methods approach.
{"title":"Could the influence of monitor farm programmes on practice change be BETTER? Lessons from sheep farmers and advisors in Ireland","authors":"M. Mulkerrins, M. Gottstein, M. Gorman, T. Russell, M. Ryan, M. B. Lynch","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125409","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125409","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the influence of monitor farm programmes on practice change using the Irish BETTER farm sheep programme as a case study. Methodology: A mixed methods approach combining 16 semi-structured and 69 structured interviews with benchmarking data analysis. Findings: Provision of intensive, tailored advice helped support practice change on the participating monitor farms. They increased productivity through changes in management practices, which positively impacted on financial performance. Monitor farmers also positively influenced members of their associated discussion groups to make practice changes. Practical Implications: Practical recommendations for similar programmes are discussed such as the need for different and additional extension approaches to influence and support the adoption of more complex practices and the potential for greater input from farmers into the design and implementation of extension programmes. Theoretical Implications: From a practice change perspective evaluating the influence of a more structured participatory extension programme (PEP) on a participating farmer is easier than the evaluation of the influence of the PEP on the wider farming community, particularly when the evaluation is not incorporated into the original programme design. Originality: Adding to the relatively small number of PEP evaluations in developed countries, the influence of monitor farm programmes on both the monitor farmer and their associated discussion group peers is examined for a wide range of practices using a mixed methods approach.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"653 - 678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43763418","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-29DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2123838
Lívia Madureira, P. Labarthe, C. Marques, G. Santos
ABSTRACT Purpose To provide novel empirical evidence on the role of advice in technological and non-technological innovation uptake decision-making processes from the perspective of European farmers, we develop the microAKIS (farmer microscale knowledge and innovation systems) framework. Design/methodology/approach The MicroAKIS framework is expanded to gather empirical evidence built on quantitative data from a sample of 675 European farmers. Findings Different types of innovation lead to different microAKIS, and farmers’ involvement with innovation introduces new dynamics in advice supply. MicroAKIS supporting innovations tend to be small in size and diversity, suggesting the anticipated pluralism of advice resulting from advisory services privatisation across Europe did not work as expected, i.e. not translating into pluralistic microAKIS. Practical implications Pluralism in advice for innovation is needed and could be enhanced by integrating different sources of advice: professional and non-professional, formal and informal, agricultural and cross-sectorial. Theoretical implications We advance the scope of the AKIS concept by accounting for the temporal dynamics of innovation uptake decision-making and adopting multi-level analysis that combines micro (farm) and meso (region) scales. Originality/value Empirical evidence at the European level, gathered from the common farmer’s perspective on the dynamics of farm-level microAKIS and the role played by farm advisory, accounting for diversity of innovations and regional contexts.
{"title":"Exploring microAKIS: farmer-centric evidence on the role of advice in agricultural innovation in Europe","authors":"Lívia Madureira, P. Labarthe, C. Marques, G. Santos","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2123838","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2123838","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose To provide novel empirical evidence on the role of advice in technological and non-technological innovation uptake decision-making processes from the perspective of European farmers, we develop the microAKIS (farmer microscale knowledge and innovation systems) framework. Design/methodology/approach The MicroAKIS framework is expanded to gather empirical evidence built on quantitative data from a sample of 675 European farmers. Findings Different types of innovation lead to different microAKIS, and farmers’ involvement with innovation introduces new dynamics in advice supply. MicroAKIS supporting innovations tend to be small in size and diversity, suggesting the anticipated pluralism of advice resulting from advisory services privatisation across Europe did not work as expected, i.e. not translating into pluralistic microAKIS. Practical implications Pluralism in advice for innovation is needed and could be enhanced by integrating different sources of advice: professional and non-professional, formal and informal, agricultural and cross-sectorial. Theoretical implications We advance the scope of the AKIS concept by accounting for the temporal dynamics of innovation uptake decision-making and adopting multi-level analysis that combines micro (farm) and meso (region) scales. Originality/value Empirical evidence at the European level, gathered from the common farmer’s perspective on the dynamics of farm-level microAKIS and the role played by farm advisory, accounting for diversity of innovations and regional contexts.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"28 1","pages":"549 - 575"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47326533","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-23DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125410
M. Mohammadrezaei, D. Meredith, J. McNamara
ABSTRACT Purpose: Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this paper distinguishes between three groups, advisors, leading farmers and other farmers, and evaluates the extent that these influence farm advisors’ intensions to engage with Farmer Health and Safety (FHS) extension activities. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with advisors (N = 302) participating in a national Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP). Surveys were completed by 136 advisors. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was undertaken to identify factors affecting the advisor’s intentions to engage with FHS. Findings: TPB constructs explain 48% of the variance in intention. SEM findings illustrate that, in turn, perceived social pressure from leading farmers (subjective norms), Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC), and attitude as the key factors which positively and directly influence the intention. Social pressure from leading and conventional farmers, and other advisors (subjective norms), positively and directly influences attitude, PBC, and, indirectly, intention to engage with FHS. Practical implications: The results highlight the importance of involving leading farmers in advisor training activities relating to FHS as a way of demonstrating and confirming the importance of this issue to advisors. This study suggests the involvement of farmers and advisors in the design and delivery of education and training programmes aimed at developing advisor competencies to engage in farm health and safety. Theoretical implications: This study demonstrates the importance of identifying and understanding the influence of different social groups, in this instance, leading farmers, on behavioural intensions. Originality/value: The research establishes that end-users of advisory services play a key role in shaping advisors’ intentions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
{"title":"Subjective norms influence advisors’ reluctance to discuss farm health and safety","authors":"M. Mohammadrezaei, D. Meredith, J. McNamara","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125410","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2125410","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this paper distinguishes between three groups, advisors, leading farmers and other farmers, and evaluates the extent that these influence farm advisors’ intensions to engage with Farmer Health and Safety (FHS) extension activities. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with advisors (N = 302) participating in a national Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP). Surveys were completed by 136 advisors. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was undertaken to identify factors affecting the advisor’s intentions to engage with FHS. Findings: TPB constructs explain 48% of the variance in intention. SEM findings illustrate that, in turn, perceived social pressure from leading farmers (subjective norms), Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC), and attitude as the key factors which positively and directly influence the intention. Social pressure from leading and conventional farmers, and other advisors (subjective norms), positively and directly influences attitude, PBC, and, indirectly, intention to engage with FHS. Practical implications: The results highlight the importance of involving leading farmers in advisor training activities relating to FHS as a way of demonstrating and confirming the importance of this issue to advisors. This study suggests the involvement of farmers and advisors in the design and delivery of education and training programmes aimed at developing advisor competencies to engage in farm health and safety. Theoretical implications: This study demonstrates the importance of identifying and understanding the influence of different social groups, in this instance, leading farmers, on behavioural intensions. Originality/value: The research establishes that end-users of advisory services play a key role in shaping advisors’ intentions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"627 - 651"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42633022","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-21DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120026
G. Atser, A. Dixon, F. Ekeleme, S. Hauser, O. Fadairo, A. Adekoya, A. Ayanwale, M. Agada, Ibukunoluwa. O. Oladokun, Patrick Akpu, L. Sanni, P. Pypers, T. Ampadu-Boakye, Bernard Vanlauwe
ABSTRACT Purpose: Poor uptake of agricultural innovations on weed management practices is a major factor responsible for low productivity. This paper examines how communication media can help improve farmers’ adoption behaviour. Methodology: A sample of 725 Nigerian cassava farmers, exposed to agricultural innovation on weed management practices from varying sources, were asked, through a structured questionnaire, to indicate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cassava weed management. The responses were compared with a sample of 190 cassava farmers who were not exposed to the information (control group). The data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, analysis of variance, and multivariate probit regression. Findings: Farmers exposed to the agricultural innovation in weed management practices indicated more positive behaviour (57.7%) towards improved weed management practices than the control group (26.8%). The mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and behaviour of the farmers exposed to the innovation through demonstration was significantly higher than for other sources. Practical implications: On-farm demonstrations as a means of communication will enhance the uptake and effectiveness of agricultural innovation on weed management practices. Theoretical implications: Findings on the influence of communication media on improved weed control and agronomy are significant, given that there is little well-documented data on how communication media enhances technology and innovation adoption in arable crop farming. Originality/value: This study generates important data that reinforces the imperatives of communication and media choices, and further underpins the debate that technology alone cannot lead to uptake by farmers but needs to be communicated.
{"title":"The effect of communication media on the uptake of agricultural innovations in selected states of Nigeria","authors":"G. Atser, A. Dixon, F. Ekeleme, S. Hauser, O. Fadairo, A. Adekoya, A. Ayanwale, M. Agada, Ibukunoluwa. O. Oladokun, Patrick Akpu, L. Sanni, P. Pypers, T. Ampadu-Boakye, Bernard Vanlauwe","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120026","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: Poor uptake of agricultural innovations on weed management practices is a major factor responsible for low productivity. This paper examines how communication media can help improve farmers’ adoption behaviour. Methodology: A sample of 725 Nigerian cassava farmers, exposed to agricultural innovation on weed management practices from varying sources, were asked, through a structured questionnaire, to indicate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cassava weed management. The responses were compared with a sample of 190 cassava farmers who were not exposed to the information (control group). The data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, analysis of variance, and multivariate probit regression. Findings: Farmers exposed to the agricultural innovation in weed management practices indicated more positive behaviour (57.7%) towards improved weed management practices than the control group (26.8%). The mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and behaviour of the farmers exposed to the innovation through demonstration was significantly higher than for other sources. Practical implications: On-farm demonstrations as a means of communication will enhance the uptake and effectiveness of agricultural innovation on weed management practices. Theoretical implications: Findings on the influence of communication media on improved weed control and agronomy are significant, given that there is little well-documented data on how communication media enhances technology and innovation adoption in arable crop farming. Originality/value: This study generates important data that reinforces the imperatives of communication and media choices, and further underpins the debate that technology alone cannot lead to uptake by farmers but needs to be communicated.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"583 - 604"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44899018","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-08DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120027
F. Landini, Santiago Conti
ABSTRACT Purpose: This article aims at identifying the individual factors and socio-demographic variables contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT extension approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using samples of extension agents from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Nigeria. Findings: The main factors explaining the support to a ToT extension approach are: the tendency to blame farmers, understanding extension as a participatory process of dialogue and inter-institutional coordination, prioritizing the modernization of farmers’ production, and supporting conventional modern agriculture. The main factors reducing the support for a ToT approach are having a self-critical attitude, prioritizing the creation and strengthening of farmer organizations, having a university degree, and being an experienced extension agent. Practical Implications: The results are useful for institutions interested in changing the profile of their extension personnel and in moving away from a ToT extension approach. Theoretical Implications: Extension agents supporting a ToT approach assume that they know what is best for farmers without really acknowledging them as experienced individuals with self-determination and rationale of their own. The development of a self-critical attitude, resulting from field experience and reflection on practice seems to play a key role in questioning the assumptions of the ToT extension approach. Originality/Value: This is the first study to analyze the factors contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT approach conducted using a multiple linear regression.
{"title":"Factors contributing to rural extension agents’ support for a transfer of technology (ToT) approach: a multiple linear regression analysis","authors":"F. Landini, Santiago Conti","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2120027","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: This article aims at identifying the individual factors and socio-demographic variables contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT extension approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using samples of extension agents from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Nigeria. Findings: The main factors explaining the support to a ToT extension approach are: the tendency to blame farmers, understanding extension as a participatory process of dialogue and inter-institutional coordination, prioritizing the modernization of farmers’ production, and supporting conventional modern agriculture. The main factors reducing the support for a ToT approach are having a self-critical attitude, prioritizing the creation and strengthening of farmer organizations, having a university degree, and being an experienced extension agent. Practical Implications: The results are useful for institutions interested in changing the profile of their extension personnel and in moving away from a ToT extension approach. Theoretical Implications: Extension agents supporting a ToT approach assume that they know what is best for farmers without really acknowledging them as experienced individuals with self-determination and rationale of their own. The development of a self-critical attitude, resulting from field experience and reflection on practice seems to play a key role in questioning the assumptions of the ToT extension approach. Originality/Value: This is the first study to analyze the factors contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT approach conducted using a multiple linear regression.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"605 - 625"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44151171","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-03DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117212
V. Nikam, A. Ashok, R. Kale
ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper deals with the system level empirical analysis of Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) characteristics in India which help in identifying the functional nature of a pluralistic extension system. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses the ‘Best Fit’ framework for analysis of EAS of 36 organisations and applies criteria of functional advisory services proposed by Prager et al. Findings: Drawing knowledge from diverse sources; appropriate cooperation between them; a stable or growing workforce of field staff; staff receiving regular training and the use of a wide range of advisory methods by EAS providers were the positive aspects contributing to functional EAS. Advisory topics covered and clients group orientation was not uniform and inclusive. Time spent on advisories and other activities varied considerably among the different categories of organisations. Despite limitations, public EAS providers still play an important role in cementing all EAS providers in a pluralistic extension system and reaching out to the unreached. Practical implications: System level evaluation of EAS in a country highlights the functional and dysfunctional components of pluralistic EAS which can be strengthened or fixed for improving EAS support to farmers. Theoretical implications: The study depicts the application of the Best Fit Framework for system level evaluation of pluralistic EAS in a sub-national context. The conceptual framework for assessing the functionality of the EAS system is mainly drawn using the theories of New Institutional Economics and Operational Management. Originality/Value: The uniqueness of this study is that it evaluates EAS from a systems perspective and empirically identifies the functional and dysfunctional aspects while considering it as a part of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).
{"title":"The functionality of agricultural extension and advisory services from a system perspective: a subnational level analysis in India","authors":"V. Nikam, A. Ashok, R. Kale","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117212","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper deals with the system level empirical analysis of Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) characteristics in India which help in identifying the functional nature of a pluralistic extension system. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses the ‘Best Fit’ framework for analysis of EAS of 36 organisations and applies criteria of functional advisory services proposed by Prager et al. Findings: Drawing knowledge from diverse sources; appropriate cooperation between them; a stable or growing workforce of field staff; staff receiving regular training and the use of a wide range of advisory methods by EAS providers were the positive aspects contributing to functional EAS. Advisory topics covered and clients group orientation was not uniform and inclusive. Time spent on advisories and other activities varied considerably among the different categories of organisations. Despite limitations, public EAS providers still play an important role in cementing all EAS providers in a pluralistic extension system and reaching out to the unreached. Practical implications: System level evaluation of EAS in a country highlights the functional and dysfunctional components of pluralistic EAS which can be strengthened or fixed for improving EAS support to farmers. Theoretical implications: The study depicts the application of the Best Fit Framework for system level evaluation of pluralistic EAS in a sub-national context. The conceptual framework for assessing the functionality of the EAS system is mainly drawn using the theories of New Institutional Economics and Operational Management. Originality/Value: The uniqueness of this study is that it evaluates EAS from a systems perspective and empirically identifies the functional and dysfunctional aspects while considering it as a part of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"557 - 581"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47711591","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}
Pub Date : 2022-09-03DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117214
Egil Petter Stræte, B. G. Hansen, Eystein Ystad, G. Kvam
ABSTRACT Purpose To explore the structures and processes within agricultural advisory organisations that may enhance absorptive capacity (AC) and determine how organisations develop their AC. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative explorative case study of advisory services in Norway, which are structured as farmer cooperatives. Interviews, document analysis, and internet information are applied. Findings Strong social mechanisms are needed to realise the potential AC in an organisation. Advisory organisations with incorporated research and development (R&D) can translate findings from both their own research projects and external sources, which increases their absorptive capacity and boosts service innovation. Further, systematic emphasis on continuous learning strengthens AC, as do networking and internal communications. Practical implications By improving the incorporation of R&D, continuous learning and networking, advisory service organisations can benefit from the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Ultimately farmers can receive more updated and relevant services for their farms. Theoretical implications Incorporation of R&D, continuous learning and networking are significant social integration mechanisms that can improve a firm’s AC. Originality/value Previous studies on AC have shown that it is important for innovation. This paper sheds additional light on how AC can be improved.
{"title":"Social integration mechanisms to strengthen absorptive capacity in agricultural advisory service organisations","authors":"Egil Petter Stræte, B. G. Hansen, Eystein Ystad, G. Kvam","doi":"10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2022.2117214","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Purpose To explore the structures and processes within agricultural advisory organisations that may enhance absorptive capacity (AC) and determine how organisations develop their AC. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative explorative case study of advisory services in Norway, which are structured as farmer cooperatives. Interviews, document analysis, and internet information are applied. Findings Strong social mechanisms are needed to realise the potential AC in an organisation. Advisory organisations with incorporated research and development (R&D) can translate findings from both their own research projects and external sources, which increases their absorptive capacity and boosts service innovation. Further, systematic emphasis on continuous learning strengthens AC, as do networking and internal communications. Practical implications By improving the incorporation of R&D, continuous learning and networking, advisory service organisations can benefit from the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Ultimately farmers can receive more updated and relevant services for their farms. Theoretical implications Incorporation of R&D, continuous learning and networking are significant social integration mechanisms that can improve a firm’s AC. Originality/value Previous studies on AC have shown that it is important for innovation. This paper sheds additional light on how AC can be improved.","PeriodicalId":46772,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension","volume":"29 1","pages":"395 - 416"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47096153","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}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：