15 pages, via online journal, Purpose: This article assesses a non-traditional training methodology for extension agents, focused on the exchange of experiences among peers and the reflection on practice, with the aim of exploring its potential as a training strategy.
Design/Methodology/approach: A quali-quantitative investigation was conducted, which included interviews with extension agents, the use of different questionnaires, and recordings of the evaluation sessions carried out during each workshop.
Findings: This research allowed us to understand the importance of effective group coordination, a participatory climate, working in small groups, and the feedback loop between theory and practice for processes of experience sharing and reflection on practice. Some of the positive effects of the training observed were that extension agents acquired new knowledge and methodologies, reflected critically upon their practice, and put into question their own extension approach.
Practical Implications: Given its potentialities, implementing training processes focused on experience sharing and reflection on practice for rural extension workers, seems advisable.
Theoretical Implications: This article contributes to the understanding of how experience sharing and reflection on practice can generate transformations in rural extension agents’ approaches and positioning.
Originality/Value: This study systematically assesses the impacts that training has on extension workers, as well as the underlying processes that made it possible to generate them.
Hagmann, Jurgen (author) and Ngwenya, Hlamalani (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2009
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C29791
Notes:
Pages 220-229 in Ian Scoones and John Thompson (eds.), Farmer First revisited: innovation for agricultural research and development. Practical Action Publishing, Warwickshire, U.K. 357 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C24693
Notes:
Pages 41-47 in Paul Van Mele, Ahmad Salahuddin and Noel P. Magor (eds.), Innovations in rural extension: case studies from Bangladesh. CABI Publishing, Oxfordshire, England. 307 pages.
Onduru, Davies (author), De Jager, Andre (author), Gachimibi, Louis (author), Muchena, Fred (author), Gachini, Gituii Njeru (author), and Van Beek, Christy (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2009
Published:
Kenya
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D01263
Notes:
Pages 278-296 in Pascal C. Sanginga, Ann Waters-Bayer, Susan Kaaria, Jemimah Njuki and Chesha Wettasinha (Eds.), Innovation Africa: enriching farmers' livelihoods. Earthscan, London, England. 405 pages.
