Agricultural extension

Evolution of systems approaches to agricultural innovation: Concepts, analysis and interventions

by Laurens Klerkx

Book chapter, to be cited as:

Klerkx, L., van Mierlo, B., Leeuwis, C., 2012. Evolution of systems approaches to agricultural innovation: Concepts, analysis and interventions. In:  Darnhofer, I., Gibbon, D., Dedieu, B. (Eds). Farming Systems Research into the 21st century: the new dynamic. Dordrecht: Springer, pp. 457-483.

Over the years, there has been an evolution of systemic thinking in agricultural innovation studies, culminating in... more Over the years, there has been an evolution of systemic thinking in agricultural innovation studies, culminating in the agricultural innovation systems perspective. In an attempt to synthesize and organize the existing literature, this chapter reviews the literature on agricultural innovation, with the threefold goal of 1) sketching the evolution of systemic approaches to agricultural innovation and unravelling the different interpretations; 2) assessing key factors for innovation system performance and demonstrating the use of system thinking in the facilitation of processes of agricultural innovation by means of innovation brokers and reflexive process monitoring; and 3) formulating an agenda for future research. The main conclusion is that the agricultural innovation systems perspective provides a comprehensive view on actors and factors that co-determine innovation, and in this sense allows understanding the complexity of agricultural innovation. However, its holism is also a pitfall as it allows for many interpretations, which complicates a clear focus of this research field and the building of cumulative evidence. Hence, more work needs to be done conceptually and empirically.

McLuhan, Burawoy, McLuhan: Extending Anthropic Communications

by Gregory Sandstrom

Subtitle: On the Human Equation, the Extended Case Method and Human Extension

Published in: Revista da Associação Nacional dos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Comunicação | E-compós, Brasília, v.14, n.3, set./dez. 2011.

One of the main contributions that Marshall McLuhan made to the fields of culture, technology and communication was... more One of the main contributions that Marshall McLuhan made to the fields of culture, technology and communication was the idea of ‘the extensions of man,’ the subtitle of his masterpiece “Understanding Media” (1964). Here the idea of ‘human extension’ is explored for application in human-social sciences, along with the notion of ‘the extended case method’ promoted by current President of the International Sociological
Association, Michael Burawoy with its origins in the Manchester School of Social Anthropology.

‘Human extension’ is offered as an alternative approach to the ‘evolution’ of artefacts and is connected to the communications works of Marshall and his son Eric, reaching to the recent idea of a general ‘human equation.’

Beyond fragmentation and disconnect: Networks for knowledge exchange in the English land management advisory system

by Laurens Klerkx

The growing multifunctionality in agriculture, combined with privatisation of previously public agricultural extension... more The growing multifunctionality in agriculture, combined with privatisation of previously public agricultural extension services, has resulted in a pluralistic land management advisory system. Despite benefits in terms of increased client orientation and greater advisor diversity, it is argued that these changes have resulted in the fragmentation of the land management advisory system and a reduction of interaction within the advisory system and between the advisory system and science. Hence, concerns have been voiced as regards the capacity of the advisory system to be able to incorporate new knowledge, resulting in a growing interest in how advisors obtain and construct the knowledge necessary for offering adequate advisory services to their clients. In this article we explore how advisors within the English land management advisory system (land agents, applied ecologists and veterinarians) develop and optimise their knowledge by engaging in different kinds of networks (centralised, distributed and decentralised), each of which employs a different type of social capital. Key findings suggest that to obtain the knowledge needed to solve complex queries of clients, advisors use distributed networks and draw upon informal ‘communities of practice’ within their own advisory profession characterised by bonding social capital, but also draw upon broader ‘networks of practice’ involving multiple advisors from different advisory professions, which rely on bridging social capital. The employment of decentralised networks which rely on linking social capital, to solve complex queries or develop new services, for example through contacts with scientific institutes, appears to be less developed, despite brokering activities of the professional associations. Whereas fragmentation and disconnect due to competition and epistemological differences do play a role; they do not appear to prevent overall knowledge exchange among advisors within and across different professions. Assumptions of a collapse of interaction within the land management advisory system are not supported by the evidence, as there appears to be much bonding and bridging social capital. However, to optimise interactions between professions, and between advisors and the science system, either informal brokers or formal brokers in the form of professional associations or other organisations could play a bigger role.

ACTIVE ‘EXTENSION’ BY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS : HOPE TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

by Pradeep Dwivedi

Paper presented at NATIONAL SEMINAR ON FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE organised by UPRT Open University, Allahabad, UP, India, 9-10 Feb. 2012

All successful moves to more sustainable agriculture have in common coordinated action by groups or communities at the... more All successful moves to more sustainable agriculture have in common coordinated action by groups or communities at the local level (Pretty, 1995). But the problem is that platforms for resource use negotiation generally do not exist, and so need to be created and facilitated (Brinkman, 1994). Similarly, extension services by different universities/ higher education institutes and government / non- government organizations (NGOs) must have a common platform for effective delivery of non- formal education bringing behavioural changes desireable for participation in sustainable agriculture initiatives. Dwivedi (2008) suggested multi-ministerial approach by establishing an apex body to coordinate wide range of extension services and formulating Right to Extension Education (Act) to ensure efficient community engagement at different level of knowledge sharing by different stakeholders.

ACTIVE ‘EXTENSION’ BY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS : HOPE TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

by Pradeep Dwivedi

Paper presented at NATIONAL SEMINAR ON FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE organised by UPRT Open University, Allahabad, UP, India, 9-10 Feb. 2012

All successful moves to more sustainable agriculture have in common coordinated action by groups or communities at the... more All successful moves to more sustainable agriculture have in common coordinated action by groups or communities at the local level (Pretty, 1995). But the problem is that platforms for resource use negotiation generally do not exist, and so need to be created and facilitated (Brinkman, 1994). Similarly, extension services by different universities/ higher education institutes and government / non- government organizations (NGOs) must have a common platform for effective delivery of non- formal education bringing behavioural changes desireable for participation in sustainable agriculture initiatives. Dwivedi (2008) suggested multi-ministerial approach by establishing an apex body to coordinate wide range of extension services and formulating Right to Extension Education (Act) to ensure efficient community engagement at different level of knowledge sharing by different stakeholders.

Spurring Dairy Buffalo Development in the Philippines through Cooperatives, Negotiations, and Networks

by Eric Palacpac

A farmer-centric approach to decision-making and behaviour change: unpacking the ‘black-box’ of decision- making theories in agriculture

by Lyndal Thompson

Addressing behaviour change in agriculture has tended to rely on top-down, logical- choice agricultural extension... more Addressing behaviour change in agriculture has tended to rely on top-down, logical- choice agricultural extension theory and decision-making models. Agricultural extension research has been attempting to introduce alternative agricultural extension practice for over a decade without, it would seem, much practical effect. A potential reason for this is that the ‘black box’ of assumptions made by researchers and extension agents about farmers’ personal perceptions, socio-cultural influences and learning preferences is rarely unpacked. Research conducted in Australia examined farmer perceptions of a new, integrated, approach to parasite control for sheep that requires more complex management than the application of chemicals. This research, founded in Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory, indicated there are several over- arching socio-cultural factors that influence decision-making for worm management. These include uncertainty, self-identity; and management control and comfort. It is suggested that agricultural research, development and extension would benefit from a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural and psychological factors that impact on farmer decision-making for the adoption of innovations by better understanding the role of uncertainty and how to ameliorate this for innovations extended to farmers.

Designing an Agricultural Safety Intervention Program for Ohio Amish Youth

by Amy Beaudreault

Need For Methamphetamine Programming in Extension Education

by Amy Beaudreault

Methamphetamine in the United States: Perceptions and Educational Programming Needs in Extension Education

by Amy Beaudreault

FORMACIÓN EN EDUCACION SANITARIA Y EXTENSION DE VETERINARIOS SANITARISTAS

by Santiago Monteverde

Autores: Passarini, J;Moreira, R; Cidade, E; Rista, A; Oyenard, S; Guedes, E; Borlido, C; Vitale, E; Caponi, O; Sallúa, S; Lozano, A; Lagarmilla, P; Acosta, L; Monteverde, S.
2008.

Resumen

Se describe una experiencia de formación de profesionales veterinarios pertenecientes al Programa... more Resumen

Se describe una experiencia de formación de profesionales veterinarios pertenecientes al Programa Ganadero (PG) del Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca. El equipo docente compuesto por integrantes de cinco disciplinas diferentes impartió un curso - taller de Educación Veterinaria y Extensión, con el objetivo de contribuir en la formación de veterinarios de reciente ingreso para subsanar el déficit en la formación actual del profesional veterinario en estas temáticas y en el marco del programa de capacitación de recursos humanos del PG. El curso – taller se organizó en cuatro módulos: Educación Sanitaria y Comunicación, Análisis de Sistemas Productivos, Corrientes teóricas de Extensión y trabajo en Grupos, y Caracterización Regional. La metodología del curso intercambió aportes del equipo docente y la participación de los participantes. El equipo docente consideró que los objetivos planificados para el Curso - Taller fueron alcanzados satisfactoriamente. Los participantes evaluaron como muy buena la organización, la motivación, la metodología y el sistema de evaluación del curso; así como también fueron muy bien evaluados todos los docentes de las diferentes disciplinas. Esta experiencia permite destacar la importancia de la interdisciplinariedad en la formación de los profesionales, aunque requiere tiempo para planificar las actividades y un importante compromiso para llevarlas adelante. Por otra parte la intensidad del trabajo de los participantes permitió producir varios informes como productos intermedios y finales donde se evidenció la conexión que existe entre la educación y la extensión con el rol de los veterinarios en la actualidad.

THIRD MISSION OF UNIVERSITIES: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EXTENSION EDUCATION

by Pradeep Dwivedi

Published in UNIVERSITY NEWS 48 (49), NOV.29- DEC.5 2011

Co-authored with:

A.K. Rai
Principal
BRDPG College,
Deoria, UP, Pin code- 274001, India



Archana Kumari
Programme coordinator
TREx: Teaching, Research & Extension Watch
T- 1249-50, mangolpuri
New Delhi

The untapped energy of universities and other institutions of higher education to address regional issues seem... more The untapped energy of universities and other institutions of higher education to address regional issues seem endless. Policy-makers and analysts alike have begun to pay more attention to the ways in which university-based capabilities and activities can contribute to social and economic development. (Gassler et al. 2001). Since their inception, although universities have contributed directly and indirectly too much of the decision-making in wider society, this function has not been ‘core’ to their mission in the same way as the first two streams of university activity – research and teaching.

Shaping Collective Functions In Privatized Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems: the Positioning and Embedding of a Network Broker In the Dutch Dairy Sector

by Laurens Klerkx

see also http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13892240802617445

This paper examines new organizational arrangements that have emerged in the context of a privatized extension system.... more This paper examines new organizational arrangements that have emerged in the context of a privatized extension system. It investigates the positioning and embedding of a network broker aimed at enhancing interaction in the privatized agricultural knowledge and information system (AKIS), to assess whether tensions reported in other sectors also manifest in agriculture and inform theory and policy on collective functions in pluralistic extension systems. It employs a case study approach using semi-structured interviews, observations, a closed questionnaire and secondary data analysis. Results show that a demand-driven way of working may prevent network brokers losing their neutrality in farmers’ eyes, but that a network broker nevertheless can be perceived as disruptive by extension service providers. Furthermore, it appears hard to make the network brokerage function self-sufficient. The paper shows that a social dilemma manifests, that is, the collective benefits are recognized, but private interests do not support the brokers’ continued existence. This prompts consideration of the need for continued public support. Public support for network broker appears to be needed, but possible (market-disturbing) interference with the activities of private extension service providers prompts critical examination of the mandates of publicly funded network brokers.

Analysis of Myths and Realities of Deforestation In Northwest Pakistan: Implications for Forestry Extension

by Babar Shahbaz

Wattoo Arif M., Tanvir Ali, M. Athar Javed Khan and Babar Shahbaz. 2010. Stakeholders role and interactions in context of forestry extension interventions in the Northwest Pakistan . Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Science. 47(2): 173-177

by Babar Shahbaz

Building Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Agriculture: Supporting Private Advisors to Adequately Address Sustainable Farm Management In Regular Service Contacts

by Laurens Klerkx

Published as:

Klerkx, L. & Jansen, J. (2010). Building knowledge systems for sustainable agriculture: supporting private advisors to adequately address sustainable farm management in regular service contacts. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Vol 8(3), 148-163

Advisory service provisioning on sustainability issues such as environmental care and food safety is considered... more Advisory service provisioning on sustainability issues such as environmental care and food safety is considered suboptimal in privatized extension systems, which comprise a diverse set of private advisors. Apart from funding dedicated ‘public good’ projects, government also relies on these advisors to address sustainability issues in their regular service contacts with farmers. Policy measures have hence been proposed to stimulate farmer demand for such sustainable farm management (SFM) advice (pull measures) and to build capacity among advisors (push measures). This paper assesses two interventions, in nutrient management and mastitis prevention, that integrate pull measures (awareness building and economic incentives) and push measures (promoting facilitative advisory styles and optimizing knowledge system linkages) to stimulate advisory service provisioning on SFM. Results indicate that effectiveness appears to depend on an adequate mix of, and balance between, push and pull measures. Awareness building is a prerequisite to creating demand for such services and appears more important than economic incentives. However, awareness is not built by the interventions alone; indeed, a lack of awareness may not be the main problem: the broader institutional context may not be conducive to a proactive approach to addressing SFM if regulatory frameworks are unclear and inconsistent. The main conclusion is that, despite interventions having an impact, it is uncertain whether the demand for, and supply of, SFM advice will be sustained after interventions are withdrawn.

Hands Off but Strings Attached: The Contradictions of Policy-Induced Demand-Driven Agricultural Extension

by Laurens Klerkx

DOI: 10.1007/s10460-005-6106-5

Abstract. Although many governments have privatized their agricultural extension services, there is widespread... more Abstract. Although many governments have privatized their agricultural extension services, there is widespread agreement that the public sector still needs to play a role in the “agricultural knowledge market” in order to prevent market failure and other undesirable phenomena. However, appropriate mechanisms for intervention in the agricultural knowledge market are still in their infancy. This article discusses the case of the Nutrient Management Support Service (NMSS), a government-funded support service in The Netherlands designed to optimize the fit between the demand and supply of “agricultural knowledge products” that reduce nutrient emissions into the environment. The activities of the support service were four-fold: (1) distributing vouchers to farmers, (2) establishing mechanisms for quality control, (3) facilitating the articulation of end-users’ needs, and (4) improving market transparency. We analyze the extent to which the NMSS has succeeded in supporting a demand-driven knowledge market for nutrient management issues. We question some of the conceptual and practical assumptions underlying this style of intervention. In addition, we argue that the notion of demand requires considerable refinement before it can be useful for guiding state involvement in demand-driven extension.

The environmental imperative: Eco-social concerns for Australian agriculture

by Frank Vanclay

Understanding and Promoting Adoption of Conservation Practices by Rural Landholders

by Frank Vanclay

Social principles for agricultural extension to assist in the promotion of natural resource management

by Frank Vanclay