Fischer, Laura (author), Meyers, Courtney (author), Cummins, R. Glenn (author), Gibson, Courtney (author), and Baker, Matt (author)
Format:
Paper abstract
Publication Date:
2018-02
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 199 Document Number: D10010
Notes:
Abstract of paper presented at the National Agricultural Communications Symposium, Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) Agricultural Communications Section, Jacksonville, Florida, February 4-5, 2018.
24 pages, Farmer-led research (FLR) is a process of inquiry wherein farmers use scientific methods to address their own on-farm curiosities and challenges in ways that are compatible with the scale and management style of their operations. With its flexible, adaptable, participatory, grassroots-oriented nature, FLR has typically been employed by farmers interested in ecological farming techniques and technologies, and evidence shows that it contributes to the adoption and improvement of ecological management practices across a range of contexts. Engagement in FLR initiatives has also been linked to positive social outcomes, including community-building, farmer empowerment, and enhanced capacity for leadership and collective action. In this paper, we present a case study of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario’s (EFAO) Farmer-Led Research Program (FLRP), which is currently one of relatively few FLR initiatives in North America. We draw on data from a participatory, mixed-methods research project. Our results highlight how the FLRP is enabling farmers to feel more knowledgeable, confident, motivated, and inspired to adopt and/or improve ecological practices on their farms, in part by supporting them in building robust social networks that align with their farming values and priorities.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 151 Document Number: D10100
Journal Title Details:
Volume 64. : pgs. 61-114
Notes:
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-51721-9
Online ISBN: 978-319-51721-6, Pages 61-114 in Stevens, J. (ed), Impulsivity. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, Volume 64.
Book series., Author suggests: "Meaning clearly influences people's choices; otherwise, framing and priming would not work. Culture is probably the most significant source of frames and primes. ... For southwestern Malagasy and probably for all humanity, the meaning behind unpredictability and anticipation relates to a clockwork understanding of interacting factors that are ultimately influenced by God, ancestors, and other supernatural forces.
Analysis of an online social microblog, Sina Weibo. Researchers found that "the poor and rich areas were more willing to behave immorally, and the relation between GDP and collective moral motivation was curved. Also, normal people were less ethical when prices increased than when incomes decreased. Ecological construction and the value added by industries which used more farmers and off-farm workers were both correlated with morality. We also found a dark side to science and technological innovation, which harmed collective morality when areas grew richer."
