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2. Safely through the gate: Exploring media coverage and journalists decisions on the flow of farm safety stories
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Swenson, Rebecca (author), Roiger, Brandon (author), and Murillo, Alexis (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018
- Published:
- USA
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 199 Document Number: D09958
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 102(2)
- Notes:
- 13 pages.
3. Information needs and information-seeking behaviors of urban food producers: implications for urban extension programs
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Kumudu P. P. Kopiyawattage (author), Laura A. Warner (author), and T. Grady Roberts (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018
- Published:
- USA: The American Association for Agricultural Education
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 149 Document Number: D10111
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural Education
- Journal Title Details:
- 59(3) : 229-242
- Notes:
- Via Online Journal, Extension is challenged with meeting the needs of a variety of stakeholders. As the country becomes more urban, Extension may need to adapt programming to reach new clients. Having an understanding about what, when, and how urban food producers gather information is important to address their needs. Information that is relevant, up-to-date, and meets clients’ needs, enables their ability to adopt new ideas and innovative technologies, providing more opportunities for success. A mixed-method research design explored the information needs and information-seeking behavior of urban food producers in Columbus, Ohio. Urban food producers in this study most needed information to increase food production. Respondents preferred to receive information from the Internet and other electronic media over conventional information sources. This group of urban producers trusted information from university and Extension sources, but expressed mixed opinions about their personal experiences with OSU Extension.
4. Communicating the 4Rs to farmers: insights and opportunities
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Moody, Lara (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-09
- Published:
- USA: Soil and Water Conservation Society
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 152 Document Number: D10144
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
- Journal Title Details:
- 73(5): 128A-131A
- Notes:
- 4 pages., Via online journal.
5. Communicating stakeholder priorities in the great barrier reef region
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Larson, Silva (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2009-07-01
- Published:
- USA: Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 152 Document Number: D10147
- Journal Title:
- Society and Natural Resources
- Journal Title Details:
- 22(7) : 650-664
- Notes:
- 15 pages., Via online journal., Preliminary results of a survey investigating individual well-being of residents in the Great Barrier Reef region of Australia are presented. The well-being factors were grouped into domains of: society, representing family and community issues; ecology, representing natural environment; and economy, dealing with economic issues and provision of services. The relative perceived importance of factors was quantified, allowing for a creation of individual well-being functions. In the society domain, family relations and health were identified as the most important contributors to well-being. Water quality was the ecology domain factor that received highest scores, and health services and income were the most important contributors to the economic domain. The methodological approach used in this study has a potential to integrate ecological, social, and economic values of local people into decision-making processes. The profiles of well-being thus generated would present policymakers with information beyond that available from standard data sources.
6. Consumer preferences for pig welfare – can the market accommodate more than one level of welfare pork?
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Denver, Sigrid (author), Sandøe, Peter (author), and Christensen, Tove (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017-07
- Published:
- USA: Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10175
- Journal Title:
- Meat Science
- Journal Title Details:
- 129:140-146
- Notes:
- 7 pages., via online journal, The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the market potential of pork labelled to indicate medium and high levels of animal welfare. The paper asks, in particular, whether there is a risk that Danish consumers will abandon high level welfare pork if less expensive products with a medium level of animal welfare became avail-able. The study was based on an online questionnaire with a choice experiment involving 396 Danish respondents. The results indicated that the Danish market could accommodate more than one pork product with a welfare label but the price differential separating medium and high level animal welfare pork will have to be quite narrow. In addition, full willingness-to-pay of consumers who want to buy high level welfare pork cannot be relied upon to incentivise new consumers to buy medium welfare pork. Further, raising brand awareness in the shopping situation and improving consumer's understanding of brand attributes for high level welfare brands were found to be vital.
7. Animal welfare versus food quality: Factors influencing organic consumers' preferences for alternatives to piglet castration without anesthesia
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Heid, Astrid (author) and Hamm, Ulrich (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2013-10
- Published:
- USA: Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10176
- Journal Title:
- Meat Science
- Journal Title Details:
- 95(2) : 203-211
- Notes:
- 9 pages., Via online journal., Surgical piglet castration without pain relief has been banned in organic farming in the EU since the beginning of 2012. Alternative methods therefore need to be implemented that improve animal welfare and solve the underlying problem of boar taint. This paper explores German organic consumers' preferences for piglet castration without pain relief and three alternative methods. In an innovative approach using a multi-criteria decision making procedure, qualitative data from focus group discussions were compared with quantitative results from Vickrey auctions. Overall, participants preferred all alternatives to castration without pain relief. Different aspects influenced willingness-to-pay for the methods. Animal welfare was important for the evaluation of castration without pain relief and castration with anesthesia. Food safety played a major role for willingness-to-pay for immunocastration, while taste and, to some extent, animal welfare were dominant factors for fattening of boars. These differences should be considered when communicating the alternatives.
8. Novel use of conceptual change framework improves video on challenging science topic
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Helmers, Matthew J. (author), Youngquist, Timothy D. (author), and Grudens-Schuck, Nancy (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10185
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(1) : 1-4
- Notes:
- 4 pages., Article # 1IAW2, Via online journal., Educational campaigns are more complicated when members of our audiences hold scientific misconceptions related to new technologies. Our prairie strips research and education team produced a brief, focused video aimed to dispel a misconception related to the effect of prairie strip plants' roots on agricultural drain tiles in the Midwest. Our "Field Tile Investigation" video was based on the conceptual change framework from science education and featured a discrepant event. The goal was to move farmers, landowners, and their advisors to an understanding of prairie strips that was more compatible with the scientific standard.
9. Project happy apples: assisting backyard growers in codling moth management
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Detweiler, Amy Jo (author) and Stephan, Toni (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10188
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(1) : 1-5
- Notes:
- 5 pages., Article # 1IAW6, vial online journal, Project Happy Apples began as an effort to assist backyard growers in managing codling moth in their fruit trees. We developed a process using emails and a web page to provide timely information related to the life cycle of codling moth and relevant integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The content of our updates included pertinent photos, costs of tools, and suggested dates of action. Results from a survey of participants suggest that they were more confident, knowledgeable, and successful in using IPM strategies in their own backyards as a result of our project.
10. Building success of food hubs through understanding of the cooperative experience
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Schmit, Todd M. (author) and Severson, Roberta M. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10189
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(1) : 1-9
- Notes:
- 9 pages., Article # 1RIB4, Via online journal., Food hubs represent a business model through which farmers can collectively market product to access new supply chains and buyers can efficiently access locally sourced foods. Many farmer marketing cooperatives fit within the food hub definition and have existed for decades. Accordingly, much can be learned from them to support food hub business planning efforts. We developed and synthesized case studies of three successful cooperatives in order to match key food hub operational challenges with recommended best management practices. Such information is useful for Extension education efforts supporting the development of economically viable food hub businesses.
11. Extension investing resources for the millennial generation: an exploratory study
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Kristen Sumpter (author) and Joan Koonce (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 4 Document Number: D10190
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(1) : 1-9
- Notes:
- 9 pages., Article # 1RIB10, Via online journal., Millennials have different investing knowledge and behaviors than generations in the past. Moreover, as compared to baby boomers, millennials have more debt and less wealth to invest. We used current literature and information collected from Extension educators to explore the values, investing behaviors, learning styles, and loyalty attitudes of millennials. We also examined and evaluated investment resources that had been created or adapted by four Extension faculty members across the nation. A proposed framework with suggestions for future research is provided.
12. Citizens, consumers and farm animal welfare: A meta-analysis of willingness-to-pay studies
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Clark, Beth (author), Stewart, Gavin B. (author), Panzone, Luca A. (author), Kyriazakis, Ilias (author), and Frewer, Lynn J. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017-04
- Published:
- USA: Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 5 Document Number: D10194
- Journal Title:
- Food Policy
- Journal Title Details:
- 68: 112-127
- Notes:
- 16 pages., via online journal, The sustainable intensification of animal production systems is increasing as a consequence of increased demand for foods originating from animals. Production diseases are particularly endemic in intensive production systems, and can negatively impact upon farm animal welfare. There is an increasing need to develop policies regarding animal production diseases, sustainable intensification, and animal welfare which incorporate consumer priorities as well as technical assessments of farm animal welfare. Consumers and/or citizens may have concerns about intensive production systems, and whether animal production disease represent a barrier to consumer acceptance of their increased use. There is a considerable body of research focused on consumer willingness-to-pay (WTP) for improved animal welfare. It is not clear how this relates specifically to a preference for reduced animal production disease incidence in animal production systems. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to establish the publics’ WTP for farm animal welfare, with a focus on production diseases which arise in intensive systems. Systematic review methodology combined with data synthesis was applied to integrate existing knowledge regarding consumer WTP for animal welfare, and reduced incidence of animal production diseases. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant studies. A screening process, using a set of pre-determined inclusion criteria, identified 54 studies, with the strength of evidence and uncertainty for each study being assessed. A random effects meta-analysis was used to explore heterogeneity in relation to a number of factors, with a cumulative meta-analysis conducted to establish changes in WTP over time. The results indicated a small, positive WTP (0.63 standard deviations) for farm animal welfare varying in relation to a number of factors including animal type and region. Socio-demographic characteristics explained the most variation in the data. An evidence gap was highlighted in relation to reduced WTP for specific production diseases associated with the intensification of production, with only 4 of the 54 studies identified being related to this. A combination of market and government based policy solutions appears to be the best solution for improving farm animal welfare standards in the future, enabling the diverse public preferences to be taken into consideration.
13. Measuring the consumer benefits of improving farm animal welfare to inform welfare labeling
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Kehlbacher, A. (author), Bennett, R. (author), and Balcombe, K. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2012-12
- Published:
- USA: Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 5 Document Number: D10196
- Journal Title:
- Food Policy
- Journal Title Details:
- 37(6) : 627-633
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Via online journal., Policy makers in the European Union are envisioning the introduction of a community farm animal welfare label which would allow consumers to align their consumption habits with their farm animal welfare preferences. For welfare labeling to be viable the market for livestock products produced to higher welfare standards has to be sufficiently segmented with consumers having sufficiently distinct and behaviourally consistent preferences. The present study investigates consumers’ preferences for meat produced to different welfare standards using a hypothetical welfare score. Data is obtained from a contingent valuation study carried out in Britain. The ordered prohbit model was estimated using Bayesian inference to obtain mean willingness to pay. We find decreasing marginal WTP as animal welfare levels increase and that people’s preferences for different levels of farm animal welfare are sufficiently differentiated making the introduction of a la belling scheme in the form of a certified rating system appear feasible.
14. Factors influencing the information needs and information access channels of farmers: an empirical study in Guangdong, China
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Yongshan Chen (author) and Yonghe Lu (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-01-08
- Published:
- China: SAGE Journals
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10228
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Information Science
- Notes:
- 20 pages., Via online journal., Information plays an important role in meeting the quantitative and qualitative goals of agriculture in the 21st century. As an emerging economy in a developing continent, China has already made many interventions to use information technology to support agricultural development. However, information service in some rural areas is still severely limited. The overall impact of the changing information environment on the farmers’ information needs and access channels has not been fully studied. Thus, this study systematically investigates the characteristics of the information needs and channels of farmers in Guangdong, China. We have collected 4006 questionnaire samples and used correlation analysis to explore the relationships between farmers’ information needs and access channel preferences. The results indicate that individual characteristic factors, social factors and family factors have different degrees of influence on farmers’ information needs and access channel preferences. These findings can provide a reference for information construction in the rural areas of Guangdong Province and thus promote its economic development. This study can also provide useful insights for policymakers and researchers from other developing countries to formulate implementation plans to promote agricultural development.
15. Exploring communication tendencies of program facilitators
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Kurtzo, Fawn (author), Edgar, Leslie D. (author), Edgar, Don W. (author), Graham, Donna L. (author), and Russell, Mark (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-03
- Published:
- USA: Association for Communication Excellence
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10237
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 103(1) : 1-17
- Notes:
- pgs. 1-17; Article 3, Via online journal., Audience analysis is a critical skill to forge relationships and develop effective communications. Programs provided by the Cooperative Extension Service must be aware of external and internal audiences to provide relevant information and evoke impacts. Berlo’s (1960) Source-Message-Channel-Receiver Model of Communications guided this formative evaluation of Extension staff, and horse 4-H club volunteer leaders (program facilitators) to expose internal communication tendencies in Arkansas. Findings identified that program facilitators seek horse-related information from a variety of sources, most frequently relying on personal connections and least frequently seeking Extension sources. Program facilitators share a variety of messages and most frequently relay information about deadlines to club members. Messages about recruitment and fundraising were shared least often. Program facilitators described utilizing a variety of personal and electronic channels to share messages with the greatest frequency for in-person communications. Incoming channels were less diverse than outgoing channels and primarily featured email, which program facilitators preferred. Program facilitators are primarily female, aged in their thirties, described lifetime involvement with 4-H and the horse industry, and most frequently reported having less than five years’ experience in their current position. The ground-level perspective of facilitators’ demographics and communication tendencies was evident in results of this study. In application, practitioners must continue to actively seek relationships with audiences, remain cognizant of communication factors, and provide accurate messaging through preferred channels.
16. Adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by agricultural science and extension teachers in Abuja, Nigeria
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Olugbenga Omotayo Alabi (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2016
- Published:
- USA: The American Association for Agricultural Education
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10239
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural Education
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(1) : 137-149
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., This study examined adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by agricultural science and extension teachers in Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives are to: identify the background and demographic characteristics of agricultural science and extension teachers in the study area; examine the factors influencing adoption of ICTs by respondents and determine the challenges or constraints militating against adoption of ICTs by respondents in the study area. Data were collected from 60 purposively selected agricultural science and extension teachers in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics SPSS 19.0, Likert scale, t-test and Logit model. Ages, teachers’ experience, access to ICTs were significant factors influencing adoption of ICTs by respondents at 1% probability level. Teachers’ attitude, teachers’ awareness significantly influences adoption of ICTs by respondents at 5% probability level. Word processors are perceived useful in setting tests and examination question papers, while, photocopy machine was perceived ease to use to make copies of teaching materials. Access to appropriate ICTs equipment and lack of infrastructure such as irregular electricity supply are the major challenges. The study recommends easy access, awareness and use of ICTs by instructors and regular supply of electricity to improve and stimulates adoption of ICTs by respondents.
17. Between words: a generational discussion about farming knowledge sources
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Wójcik, Marcin (author), Jeziorska-Biel, Pamela (author), and Czapiewski, Konrad (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-03-09
- Published:
- Poland: Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10245
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Rural Studies
- Journal Title Details:
- 67: 130-141
- Notes:
- 12 pages., Via online journal., This article is concerned with the shaping of agricultural knowledge among farmers, in the context of the rapid changes Polish agriculture has been subject to since the time of the country's EU accession. The theoretical underpinnings of this work have been described in terms of the significant notional categories, i.e. knowledge, knowledge-cultures and sources of knowledge. The research made use of the joint interviews method. Interviews were run with representatives of different generations in 10 farming families in central Poland. The main research objective was to determine sources of farming knowledge among farmers. The use of joint interviews allowed for the identification of sources of knowledge of different kinds. These reflect a division into farmers' closer and more distant surroundings, i.e. to the family and neighbours on the one hand, and to institutions and media on the other. Knowledge acquisition among farmers is in fact found to be a complex process, reflecting socialisation in a multi-generation environment of family and neighbours, on the one hand, and the impact of the institutional and legal system, on the other. In a general sense, this corresponds to the well-known division of sources of knowledge into the tacit and the explicit, with the acquisition of tacit (i.e. informal) knowledge not meeting with any more major obstacles thanks to proximity in a sense that may be cultural (i.e. the agriculture itself), family-related (and in fact multi-generation) and spatial (physical proximity in a given locality). Microsocial conditioning thus plays a major role in the shaping of this source of knowledge. However, the most important factor distinguishing contemporary cultures as regards knowledge on farming is the capacity to adapt to conditions set by the institutions supporting the latter's development. Formal knowledge flowing into farming families from their institutional surroundings requires growing adaptability and preparation if a succession of innovations are to be taken on board. The multi-source nature of knowledge and the achievement of some kind of balance in this respect actually poses a major challenge for the future functioning of family farms as cultural microsystems.
18. Intergenerational environmental communication: child influence on parent environmental and behavior
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Straub, Crista L. (author) and Leahy, Jessica E. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017-09-07
- Published:
- USA: American Society of Agronomy
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10249
- Journal Title:
- Natural Sciences Education
- Journal Title Details:
- 46(1) : 1-9
- Notes:
- 9 pages., Via online journal., Intergenerational environmental communication (IGEC) was examined using pre- and post-survey research after child participation in a groundwater environmental education (EE) program. The EE program increased child knowledge, but did not significantly increase parent knowledge. There was also a significant difference between perceived levels of environmental communication (EC) between child and parent, with parents indicating higher levels of EC than their children. Participants reporting low EC levels had significantly less interest in, concern for, or knowledge about environmental issues. Several key factors initiated IGEC between children and their parents, including saving household money by changing environmental behaviors, exposure to media sources that reported environmental news, and school activities such as homework related to environmental issues. Environmental educators should be cautious when implementing EE programs, as additional considerations are essential to determine what influence, if any, child participants have beyond the classroom. Continued research is needed to increase EC between children and their parents with the hope of improving intergenerational approaches to environmental issues.
19. Which communication channels shape normative perceptions about buying local food? An application of social exposure
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Witzling, Laura (author), Shaw, Bret (author), and Trechter, David (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02-22
- Published:
- USA: Springer
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10273
- Journal Title:
- Agriculture and Human Values
- Journal Title Details:
- 36(3): 443–454
- Notes:
- 12 pages., via online journal, We examined how information from multiple communication channels can inform social norms about local food purchasing. The concept of social exposure was used as a guide. Social exposure articulates how information in social, symbolic, and physical environments contributes to normative perceptions. Data was collected from a sample in Wisconsin. Results indicated that information from communication channels representing symbolic, social, and physical environments all contributed to normative perceptions. We also found that for individuals who frequent farmers’ markets, information from some communication channels was relatively less strongly associated with injunctive norms. It may be that when first-hand, experiential information is available to inform norms, individuals rely less on information available through other communication channels. Future work might further explore how farmers’ markets foster information sharing in communities, as such information may contribute to normative perceptions.
20. GeoFarmer: a monitoring and feedback system for agricultural development projects
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Eitzinger, Anton (author), Cock, James (author), Atzmanstorfer, Karl (author), Binder, Claudia R. (author), Läderach, Peter (author), Bonilla-Findji, Osana (author), Bartlin, Mona (author), Mwongera, Caroline (author), Zurita, Leo (author), and Jarvis, Andy (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-03
- Published:
- Germany: Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10292
- Journal Title:
- Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
- Journal Title Details:
- 158 : 109-121
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., Farmers can manage their crops and farms better if they can communicate their experiences, both positive and negative, with each other and with experts. Digital agriculture using internet communication technology (ICT) may facilitate the sharing of experiences between farmers themselves and with experts and others interested in agriculture. ICT approaches in agriculture are, however, still out of the reach of many farmers. The reasons are lack of connectivity, missing capacity building and poor usability of ICT applications. We decided to tackle this problem through cost-effective, easy to use ICT approaches, based on infrastructure and services currently available to small-scale producers in developing areas. Working through a participatory design approach, we developed and tested a novel technology. GeoFarmer provides near real-time, two-way data flows that support processes of co-innovation in agricultural development projects. It can be used as a cost-effective ICT-based platform to monitor agricultural production systems with interactive feedback between the users, within pre-defined geographical domains. We tested GeoFarmer in four geographic domains associated with ongoing agricultural development projects in East and West Africa and Latin America. We demonstrate that GeoFarmer is a cost-effective means of providing and sharing opportune indicators of on-farm performance. It is a potentially useful tool that farmers and agricultural practitioners can use to manage their crops and farms better, reduce risk, increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
21. Knowledge communication and non-communication in the water governance of the Saemangeum area, South Korea
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- KoUn Kim (author), HaeRan Shin (author), Miseon Kim (author), and Chuyoun Chang (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017-07-10
- Published:
- South Korea: Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10295
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Cleaner Production
- Journal Title Details:
- 156 : 796-804
- Notes:
- 9 pages., Via online journal., This paper looks at how knowledge has been communicated within a multi-layered water governance structure in order to manage non-point source (NPS) pollution in South Korea. Since 28,300 ha of wetlands were reclaimed in Saemangeum, on the western side of the country, in 2006, the artificial lake created has suffered from chronic pollution. For the purposes of integrated water management, a water governance structure was formed linking organisations ranging from local to national scales. Despite institutional efforts to implement integrated water management and a governance approach, knowledge of NPS pollution and its management was produced and communicated among certain stakeholders only, such as policy and technical experts. In-depth interview and archival analysis of this research attempt to explain why and how the loss of knowledge communication occurred in this context. The first result of this research illustrates that, while knowledge communication has been smooth at the national and provincial layers, it has not taken place efficiently through to the local layer. When it comes to local farmers and governmental organisations and experts in particular, knowledge nodes have not functioned. Second, the research suggests that non-communication of knowledge has been mobilised as a professional strategy. Actors at the local layer have prioritized their professional interests and intentionally avoided knowledge communication with other department or ministries. Local and community actors have chosen not to provide farmers information. We conclude by discussing policy implications for knowledge communication and inclusive water governance.
22. Exploring the uses and gratifications of agricultural blog readers
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Meyers, Courtney (author), Gracey, Kate (author), Irlbeck, Erica (author), and Akers, Cindy (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2015
- Published:
- USA: Association for Communication Excellence
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 8 Document Number: D10299
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 99(4) : 1-13
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., Blogs are a type of social media that present a unique opportunity to provide information to a large audience without the constraints of traditional media’s gatekeeping barriers. Within agriculture, several studies have examined agricultural blogs but not from the perspective of blog readers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the uses and gratifications of agricultural blog readers. This study used a descriptive survey research design and online questionnaire to assess agricultural blog readers’ demographics, Internet and blog use, attitudes toward agriculture, and motivations for reading blogs. Findings indicated most respondents had direct experience in agriculture and were supportive of the industry. The strongest motivations for accessing agricultural blogs were to find out what other people think about important issues or events and to find alternatives not covered by traditional news sources. Blogs proved to be a useful source of information, but more should be done to expand reach beyond those in the industry. Additional research is needed to more fully describe agricultural blog readers’ uses and gratifications.
23. Participatory Agricultural Extension from the Prospective of Audience-centered Communication Theory
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Zhao, Di (author) and Wang, De-hai (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2010-01-01
- Published:
- USA: EconPapers
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: + Document Number: D10317
- Journal Title:
- Asian Agricultural Research
- Journal Title Details:
- 2(3) : 27-30
- Notes:
- 4 pages., Via online journal., Transformation process to Audience-centered Communication Theory is introduced, as well as the basic idea of the theory in China. It is believed that using Audience-centered Communication theory can help to consolidate the theoretical basis of participatory agricultural extension. The communication essence of agricultural extension activity is studied, which is spreaders send information to farmers; then, farmers filter and process the information, transform it into their own experiences and feed back on time. Internet logical relationship between audience-centered communication and participatory agricultural extension is studied. Effects of Audience-centered Communication Theory on participatory agricultural extension are analyzed. One is that the Audience-centered Communication Theory defines the guidance and implementation basis of agricultural extension activities; the other is that bringing Audience-centered Communication Theory into agricultural extension research can help to expend the agricultural extension. Several enlightenments of the theory to participatory agricultural extension are obtained. Firstly, take audience as the orientation and focus on the needs of the audience. Secondly, advocate the participatory approach of process; and emphasize the importance of internal audience participation. Thirdly, establish two-way interaction mechanism; and make the promoters understand the implementation and performance status on time.
24. Farmers’ perceptions regarding the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northern Pakistan
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Aldosari, Fahad (author), Al Shunaifi, Mohamed Saleh (author), Ullah, Muhammad Amjad (author), Muddassir, Muhammad (author), and Noor, Mehmood Ali (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-04
- Published:
- Saudi Arabia: Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 8 Document Number: D10318
- Journal Title:
- Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences
- Journal Title Details:
- 18(2) : 211-217
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Via online journal., Like many developing countries, agriculture is seen as the vehicle for development also in Pakistan. Our study was aimed to identify the perceptions of farmer community towards the electronic media and relationship between different demographic characteristics of respondents with the use of electronic communication of TV and radio, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), a province of Pakistan. Random sampling technique was used for selecting 183 respondents. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Results revealed that maximum respondents were agreed that mobile and internet can be a useful source of agricultural information and only 1.6 and 5.5% of the respondents were strongly disagreed about information means, respectively. A maximum number of the respondents were undecided about “agricultural helpline can be a useful source of agricultural information”, only 14.2% of the respondents were strongly agreed with this statement. A highly significant relationship was found between age of respondents and application of information received through radio and TV. On the other side, education of the respondents had a highly significant relationship with the application of information received through radio only. Farming experience of the respondents had no significant relationship with the application of information received through TV and radio. Results suggested that extension personnel should motivate and educate the farming community about the use of electronic media (TV, radio, helpline, internet, mobile) for advanced information about agriculture production techniques.
25. What characteristics define participants of Michigan’s healthy food incentive program?
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Parks, Courtney A. (author), Jaskiewicz, Lara J. (author), Dombrowski, Rachael D. (author), Frick, Hollyanne E. (author), Hortman, Sarah B. (author), Trumbull, Elissa (author), Hesterman, Oran B. (author), and Yaroch, Amy L. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-04-27
- Published:
- USA: SAGE Journals
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 11 Document Number: D10342
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Planning Education and Research
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Via online journal., To characterize participants of a statewide healthy food incentive program in terms of shopping behaviors, surveys were collected at farmers markets (N = 436) and grocery stores (N = 131). Farmers market and grocery store respondents were mostly forty-five to fifty-four years old (21 percent to 24 percent) and female (72 to 82 percent). Grocery store respondents were more diverse. Farmers market participants were more likely to be female (p = .011), not have children (p = .006), and traveled further compared to grocery store participants. As healthy food incentive programs expand, participant characteristics should inform tailored outreach to expand to diverse populations to have a greater public health impact.
26. Seeing is not always believing: crop loss and climate change perceptions among farm advisors
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Niles, Meredith T. (author), Wiener, Sarah (author), Schattman, Rachel E. (author), Roesch-McNally, Gabrielle (author), and Reyes, Julian (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-03-26
- Published:
- USA: IOP Publishing Ltd.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10345
- Journal Title:
- Environmental Research Letters
- Journal Title Details:
- 14(4)
- Notes:
- 11 pages., Via online journal article., As climate change is expected to significantly affect agricultural systems globally, agricultural farm advisors have been increasingly recognized as an important resource in helping farmers address these challenges. While there have been many studies exploring the climate change belief and risk perceptions as well as behaviors of both farmers and agricultural farm advisors, there are very few studies that have explored how these perceptions relate to actual climate impacts in agriculture. Here we couple survey data from United States Department of Agriculture farm service employees (n = 6, 514) with historical crop loss data across the United States to explore the relationship of actual climate-related crop losses on farm to farm advisor perceptions of climate change and future farmer needs. Using structural equation modelling we find that among farm advisors that work directly with farms on disaster and crop loss issues, there is a significant positive relationship between crop loss and perceived weather variability changes, while across all farm advisors crop loss is associated with reduced likelihood to believe in anthropogenic climate change. Further, we find that weather variability perceptions are the most consistently and highly correlated with farm advisors' perceptions about the need for farm adaptation and future farmer needs. These results suggest that seeing crop loss may not lead to climate change belief, but may drive weather variability perceptions, which in turn affect farm adaptation perceptions. This lends further evidence to the debate over terminology in climate change communication and outreach, suggesting that weather variability may be the most salient among agricultural advisors.
27. Public Attitudes Toward Ecological Restoration in the Chicago Metropolitan Region
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Bright, Alan D. (author), Barro, Susan C. (author), and Burtz, Randall T. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2010-11-30
- Published:
- USA: Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10346
- Journal Title:
- Society & Natural Resources
- Journal Title Details:
- 15(9):763-785
- Notes:
- 24 pages., Via online journal., We examined the relationship between attitudes toward urban ecological restoration and cognitive (perceived outcomes, value orientation, and objective knowledge), affective (emotional responses), and behavioral factors using residents of the Chicago Metropolitan Region. Positive and negative attitudes were both related to perceived outcomes of ecological restoration. In addition, positive attitudes were related to values while negative attitudes were related to emotions. Attitudes of high and low importance groups were connected to perceived outcomes of ecological restoration; however, attitudes of the high importance group were also related to values, emotions, and behavior. Positive and negative attitude groups differed on perceived outcomes, basic beliefs, knowledge, and behavior. Implications lie in understanding of complex attitudes toward natural resource issues and improved communication efforts to influence or educate the public.
28. Mobile technology and food access
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Wantchekon, Leonard (author) and Riaz, Zara (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02-16
- Published:
- USA: Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10352
- Journal Title:
- World Development
- Journal Title Details:
- 117 : 344-356
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., Access to food is a basic pillar of human development. It is therefore unsurprising that it features so centrally on global development agendas and that a robust, interdisciplinary literature seeks to examine its determinants. This study focuses on the relationship between mobile technology and food access. Specifically, we ask whether mobile technology can strengthen the relationship between food access and certain social and political factors such as remittance flows and political participation. We use Afrobarometer surveys and highly disaggregated data on 2G network coverage to estimate a multilevel model testing how increased connectivity measured by mobile technology influences food access. We show that mobile phone use and higher frequency of use are significantly and positively correlated with food access, but we do not find evidence that remittances and political participation levels can explain the mechanisms linking mobile technology and food access. The study highlights that connectivity can play a powerful role in shaping food outcomes even when controlling for commonly identified impediments such as income constraints or physical isolation. These findings suggest that policies aimed at improving food access should devote attention to strengthening both communication and physical infrastructure.
29. Forest ownership changes in Europe: State of knowledge and conceptual foundations
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Weiss, Gerhard (author), Lawrence, Anna (author), Hujala, Teppo (author), Lidestav, Gun (author), Nichiforel, Liviu (author), Nybakk, Erlend (author), Quiroga, Sonia (author), Sarvašová, Zuzana (author), Suarez, Cristina (author), and Živojinović, Ivana (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-04-09
- Published:
- Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10353
- Journal Title:
- Forest Policy and Economics
- Journal Title Details:
- 99 : 9-20
- Notes:
- 10 pages., Via online journal., Forest ownership is changing in Europe. Reasons include recent institutional changes in Eastern Europe, changing lifestyles of non-agricultural owners and afforestation. At present, there is little comparative analysis across Europe, and the implications that these changes have for forest management and for the fulfilment and redefinition of policy objectives have not been addressed systematically. This paper has been developed in the framework of a European research network on forest ownership change, based on conceptual work, literature reviews and empirical evidence from 28 European countries. It aims to provide an overview of the state of knowledge, to discuss relevant issues and provide conceptual and practical foundations for future research, forest management approaches, and policy making. In particular, it discusses possible approaches for classifying forest ownership types and understandings of “new” forest ownership. One important insight is that the division into public and private forests is not as clear as often assumed and that an additional category of semi-public (or semi-private) forms of forest ownership would be desirable. Another recommendation is that the concepts of “new forest owners” vs. “new forest owner types” should be differentiated more consciously. We observe that, in research and policy practice, the mutual relations between forest ownership structure and policies are often neglected, for instance, how policies may directly and indirectly influence ownership development, and what different ownership categories mean for the fulfilment of policy goals. Finally, we propose that better support should be provided for the development of new, adapted forest management approaches for emerging forest owner types. Forest ownership deserves greater attention in studies dealing with forest policy or forest management.
30. Effectiveness of mKRISHI® personalised advisory on water and soil (PAWS) in dissemination of agricultural information in north-western Himalayan region
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Singh, Lakhan (author), Bishnoi, Rajesh (author), Bihari, Bankey (author), Madan, S. (author), Malik, Anil Kumar (author), Shrimali, S. S . (author), Kadam, M. D. (author), and Singh, Raman Jeet (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02
- Published:
- India
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10368
- Journal Title:
- Indian Journal of Agricultural Science
- Journal Title Details:
- 89 (2) : 246–52
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Via online journal., The effectiveness of an extension system referred to its ability to meet the fanner needs in providing the new technology which suits to their conditions and results in better production. Recently the demand for information on agricultural practices and technology among the farmers is increasing day by day but fulfilment of these demands exclusively by public agricultural extension system is limited. To address this challenge, information communication technology (ICT) has the immense role in supplementing the extension system. Among the ICT tools, mobile phone, because of its affordability, accessibility, minimum skill requirement, widespread network etc., has emerged as important tool for information and knowledge dissemination to the smallholder and marginal farmers. But it is necessary to study how effective they are in achieving the respective objectives.The present investigation was conducted to study the effectiveness of mKRISHI (R) PAWS (Personalised Advisory on Water and Soil) in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. An ex-post facto research design was used for this study. Total 136 messages were sent to the respondents. The data was collected from 240 beneficiary farmers of the north-western Himalayan region. The effectiveness of the mKRISHI (R) PAWS in technology advisory and delivery services were measured by developing an effectiveness index for the purpose. Results showed that 93.8% of farmers perceive that quality of information regarding the latest NRM technologies in soil and water conservation was excellent and 83.75% of the farmers felt that the information regarding the latest NRM technologies in soil and water conservation was appropriate to their condition. The study revealed that the extension services delivered by mKRISHI (R) PAWS were found to be highly effective by majority of the farmers. 34.58% fanners perceived that the mKRISHI (R) PAWS was very highly effective as a mean of getting their information needs.
31. Cooperative extension can better frame its value by emphasizing policy relationships
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Gupta, Clare (author), Campbell, David (author), and Cole-Weiss, Alexandra (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02-01
- Published:
- USA: University of California
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10387
- Journal Title:
- California Agriculture
- Journal Title Details:
- 73(1) : 11-18
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., Based on research-to-policy narratives provided by UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) academics, we argue that current, effective Cooperative Extension (Extension) practices support a broader, more convincing account of Extension's public value than its leaders often articulate. This proposed account incorporates the familiar Extension narrative in which technical expertise and objectivity are emphasized. It also incorporates the insight, derived from our data, that Extension can achieve its greatest relevance in policy circles when it weaves together its ability to provide trustworthy technical knowledge with its capacity to influence policy dialogue, debate and practice across multiple settings and over the long term. In a policy world often marked by short-term thinking and polarization, Extension's ability to foster deliberative, context-sensitive and future-oriented policymaking is a critical contribution to society. Interview data reveals three approaches to effective policy-oriented relationship building: community-government partnership building; stakeholder-oriented experimental research; and community empowerment. Understanding these approaches can help reframe the story that we in the Extension system tell ourselves and the public about the public value we create.
32. Farmers’ perception of water quality and risks in the Mashavera river basin, Georgia: analyzing the vulnerability of the social-ecological system through community perceptions
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Withanachchi, Sisira S. (author), Kunchulia, Ilia (author), Ghambashidze, Giorgi (author), Al Sidawi, Rami (author), Urushadze, Teo (author), and Ploeger, Angelika (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-08-28
- Published:
- Switzerland: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10388
- Journal Title:
- Sustainability
- Journal Title Details:
- 10(9)
- Notes:
- 26 pages., Via online journal., Competing natural resources usage that leads to dramatic land use changes can threaten the balance of a social-ecological system. When this is the case, communities are directly exposed to the negative consequences of those land use changes. The Mashavera River Basin is considered one of the hotspots of environmental pollution in Georgia. This is of importance for public health because the food production from this basin meets a substantial proportion of the country’s food demand. The farmers’ perception of the water quality and their perceived risks to the economy, health, and lifestyle reflect the status of the environmental and social conditions. The inclusion of farmers’ risk perceptions is an important stage of water quality governance that could enable active civic participation. The approach of this research study was the convergence model in the triangular design of the mixed method approach. As part of the social data, the research study was conducted with a survey of 177 households, for which agriculture was either a main or partial source of income. A few focus group discussions were also conducted. A binary logistic regression analysis was employed as the main method for the analysis. The results from the pollution load index (PLI) were used as the supportive data to verify some geospatial hypotheses. We found that aesthetic attributes (i.e., color changes observed in the river) and the source of the water contamination (i.e., mining sites) were the main predictor variables for a perceived risk to water quality, health, and livelihoods. The people who work in agriculture as the main income source had more concern about their ability to sell their agricultural products as a result of water contamination in the river, compared with people for whom agriculture is a secondary source of income or for self-consumption. Age, amount of land, years of agricultural experience, and the source of water supply for agriculture did not have a significant effect on any of the risk perception or water quality perception models. The results indicate that the health risk is perceived more strongly in areas with more heavily contaminated water compared to less polluted areas. We propose that conducting a public risk perception assessment is an ideal means to detect people’s concerns regarding water quality governance for future risk analysis in Georgia. Another recommendation of this study is an integrated model of risk assessment that combines the results from a public risk perception assessment and a technical assessment. The benefits of such an integrated assessment include finding new hazard-sensitive areas for further analysis, the possibility to cross-check data for verification, communal communication of hazardous conditions by utilizing local knowledge, and the direct participation of the community in monitoring risks.
33. The determinants of cucumber farmers' pesticide use behavior in central Iran: implications for the pesticide use management
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Abadi, Bijan (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-12-01
- Published:
- Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10389
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Cleaner Production
- Journal Title Details:
- 205: 1069-1081
- Notes:
- 13 pages., Via online journal., The investigation of the rising use of pesticides in the Yazd City is a remarkable issue, the respective witnesses on the factors affecting the issue are lacking. For this reason, this contribution was intended to investigate the determinants of the pesticide use behavior (PUB) using the design of sequential-exploratory mixed method in central Iran. In the qualitative phase, verbal data (i.e., pesticide narratives) were collected. The heuristic units of the case study were thematically analyzed using the Atlas.ti software. The obtained results served as the data that were applied to develop the conceptual framework, including grounded concepts. By surveying 306 cucumber farmers, the proposed model was tested using the path analysis in the interface of SPSS and AMOS, indicating the model fits with the data well. The study finds that attitude towards the indigenous knowledge of the pest and disease management forecasts the PUB indirectly by the mediation of attitude, behavioral intention, and PBC. Moreover, large-scale farmers have a better understanding of the usefulness of the IPM. Furthermore, the scientific pesticide knowledge and imitation influence the PUB. Habitual behavior and avarice also have a negative impact on the PUB. In addition, trust has an indirect impact on the PUB via behavioral intention. It is necessary to take policy initiatives to enhance the efficient PUB by (1) establishing a network of indigenous knowledge relevant to the pest and disease management together with the scientific pesticide knowledge, (2) disseminating the innovations that mitigate the impact of pesticides (e.g., Biochar), (3) giving information to farmers so that they are persuaded to make money as much as they fulfill their fundamental needs, change their detrimental habits of pesticide use, and (4) raising the trust in cucumber farmers by establishing a close communication between agricultural experts and cucumber farmers and updating the technical knowledge of agricultural experts in the ground of pest and vector management as well as the use of pesticides.
34. Geographic information and communication technologies for supporting smallholder agriculture and climate resilience
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Haworth, Billy T. (author), Biggs, Eloise (author), Duncan, John (author), Wales, Nathan (author), Boruff, Bryan (author), and Bruce, Eleanor (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-12-10
- Published:
- Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10418
- Journal Title:
- Climate
- Journal Title Details:
- 6(4)
- Notes:
- 20 pages., Article 97, Via online journal., Multiple factors constrain smallholder agriculture and farmers’ adaptive capacities under changing climates, including access to information to support context appropriate farm decision-making. Current approaches to geographic information dissemination to smallholders, such as the rural extension model, are limited, yet advancements in internet and communication technologies (ICTs) could help augment these processes through the provision of agricultural geographic information (AGI) directly to farmers. We analysed recent ICT initiatives for communicating climate and agriculture-related information to smallholders for improved livelihoods and climate change adaptation. Through the critical analysis of initiatives, we identified opportunities for the success of future AGI developments. We systematically examined 27 AGI initiatives reported in academic and grey literature (e.g., organisational databases). Important factors identified for the success of initiatives include affordability, language(s), community partnerships, user collaboration, high quality and locally-relevant information through low-tech platforms, organisational trust, clear business models, and adaptability. We propose initiatives should be better-targeted to deliver AGI to regions in most need of climate adaptation assistance, including SE Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Further assessment of the most effective technological approaches is needed. Initiatives should be independently assessed for evaluation of their uptake and success, and local communities should be better-incorporated into the development of AGI initiatives
35. Farmers’ choice of market channels and producer prices in India: role of transportation and communication networks
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Negi, Digvijay S. (author), Birthal, Pratap S. (author), Roy, Devesh (author), and Khan, Md. Tajuddin (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-12
- Published:
- Science Direct
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10419
- Journal Title:
- Food Policy
- Journal Title Details:
- 81(106-121)
- Notes:
- 16 pages., Via online journal., This paper assesses the effect of transportation and communication networks on farmers’ choice of market channels for paddy and wheat, and subsequently on the prices they receive from these channels. It is found that smallholder farmers sell more to informal channels i.e. local traders and input dealers, and typically receive lower prices from them compared to the government-set minimum support prices (MSP). The prices realized from the sales in regulated markets are also less than the MSP despite these being claimed to be more transparent in price discovery. Econometric results show that farmers’ access to transportation and information enables them to obtain better price terms from informal as well as formal channels. The effect of information is relatively stronger, implying that farmers’ access to transportation itself is not sufficient but is effective when combined with provision of market information. Further, our proposition is that despite a positive impact of the improved market access on price realization from informal traders, farmer-trader relations are unlikely to undergo a meaningful change because of the tied transactions involving inputs, credit and outputs.
36. Assessing the social media use and needs of small rural retailers: implications for extension program support
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Son, Jihyeong (author), Niehm, Linda S. (author), Russell, Daniel W. (author), and Lee, Juyoung (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-04
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10424
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(2)
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Article # 2RIB2, Via online journal., To assess small rural retailers' use of social media and the role of social media in their business sustainability, we conducted focus group interviews with small business owners/managers from rural communities in a midwestern state. Participants revealed strong interest in social media, especially for use in sales and marketing. However, their engagement in social media was limited due to lack of knowledge and resources (i.e., time, human resources, financial resources, effectiveness measurement) related to developing and updating content. On the basis of these findings, we examine implications for Extension professionals and outreach educators regarding social media needs and programming for small rural businesses.
37. Interactive online tool for educating the public about landscape conservation
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Hanks, R. Daniel (author), Baldwin, Robert F. (author), Leonard, Paul B. (author), Bee, Gillian B. (author), and Claflin, Patrick (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-04
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 15 Document Number: D10425
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 57(2)
- Notes:
- 6 pages., Via online journal., Landscape-scale conservation planning performed in a systematic and transparent manner is becoming more common as it is increasingly evident that ecological processes are being affected at large spatial scales. The Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative undertook a 15-state landscape conservation planning project, resulting in a landscape conservation design called NatureScape. To facilitate NatureScape's implementation by groups and individuals participating in on-the-ground landscape conservation, we developed an online decision support tool. This tool has the potential to assist Extension services in delivering research-based information to varied stakeholders as they make land use decisions.
38. The California tree mortality data collection network — enhanced communication and collaboration among scientists and stakeholders
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Axelson J. (author), Battles J. (author), Bulaon B. (author), Cluck D. (author), Cousins S. (author), Cox L. (author), Estes B. (author), Fettig C. (author), Hefty A. (author), Hushinuma S. (author), Hood S. (author), Kocher S. (author), Mortenson L. (author), Koltunov A. (author), Kuskulis E. (author), Poloni A. (author), Ramirez C. (author), Restaino C. (author), Slaton M. (author), Smith S. (author), and Tubbesing C. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-03-11
- Published:
- USA: University of California
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 16 Document Number: D10456
- Journal Title:
- California Agriculture
- Journal Title Details:
- 73(1)
- Notes:
- 10 pages., via online journal, The collaboration helps to coordinate research on the extent and nature of tree mortality and gets the results to forest managers quickly.
39. Communication, engagement and science-based policy
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Megaro, Anne (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019-02-01
- Published:
- USA: University of California
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 16 Document Number: D10457
- Journal Title:
- California Agriculture
- Journal Title Details:
- 73(1):4-4
- Notes:
- 3 pages., via online journal., UC ANR works to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers.
40. Intraorganizational communication: a study of communication/interaction among core subprograms of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Iwuchukwu, J. C. (author) and Agwu, A. E. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2012
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10478
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 13(3): 240-249
- Notes:
- 11 pages., via online journal., In recognition of the importance of communication in extension work and agriculture, this study assessed communication methods used among core sub-programs of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program (ENADEP). Sixty-three staff were randomly selected to participate in the study. Statistical tools such as percentage, mean score, and factor analysis were used in data analysis. Findings show that a downward (top-down) communication flow was most common, with posters and workshops as primary communication tools. Technology review meetings and training were major situations in which communication occurred, while achievement of ENADEP objectives was the most important motive for communication. Communicator knowledge about subject matter was the top-rated factor that enhanced communication; security/credibility- and human/autocracy-related problems were major constraints to effective communication. The study recommends a de-emphasis on top-down communication approaches and encourages use of digital/information communication technology (ICT) tools to minimize the gap between generation and dissemination of information and its application.
41. Utilization of satellite imaging and information communication technology in agricultural information dissemination in Nigeria
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Bolarin, O. (author) and Ayanlade, A. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2010
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10482
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 11(4): 351-357
- Notes:
- 8 pages., via online journal., This study appraised the level of usage of satellite imaging and selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools by agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, information on usage of satellite imaging, personal skill ratings, and constraints faced by respondents in the usage of ICT equipment were gathered. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (97%) perceived themselves as incompetent in reading and interpreting satellite imaging for agricultural information dissemination. The study posited that government at various levels should assist in training EWs on digital compatibility.
42. Information communication technology needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Ajani, E. N. (author) and Agwu, A. E. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2012
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10483
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 13(2): 144-156
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal., This study sought to identify the information communication technology (ICT) needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 108 farmers. Results revealed that the majority used radio and television and owned mobile phones and video machines. Constraints to use included capacity, infrastructural/technical and logistical problems. The study recommends that the Nigerian government reorient its policies in order to harness the potential of ICTs to contribute to agricultural development and highlights the need to raise awareness of the agricultural uses of ICTs among the government, other national stakeholders, and rural communities.
43. From their mouths to our ears: research practices and needs of agricultural scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Delserone, Leslie M. (author) and Dinkelman, Andrea L. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10486
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 18(3-4): 373-400
- Notes:
- 29 pages., via online journal., University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Libraries was one of 19 participants in a national study of the research practices and needs of agricultural researchers. Two UNL Libraries faculty members interviewed 11 UNL scholars during the summer of 2016. The ethnographic research approach revealed four core themes: interdisciplinarity and collaborations, scientific communication practices, scientific research data issues and practices, and challenges and opportunities. Illustrated by the sample of faculty comments presented here, the themes have direct implications for the UNL Libraries, while in other cases these point to concerns and opportunities for the university, the academy, and the nation.
44. Of mice and men: when face-to-face agricultural information is replaced by a mouse click
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Charatsari, Chrysanthi (author) and Lioutas, Evagelos D. (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2013-01-01
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10488
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 14(2): 103-131
- Notes:
- 30 pages., via online journal., In this article we present and discuss two experiments designed to test the effectiveness of the Internet as a tool of agricultural information. Subjects were cotton producers from Thessaly, Greece. Findings suggest that, in the early stages of an innovation diffusion process, the Internet is more effective than social sources (Experiment 1). However, when urgent situations that force quick decisions occur (Experiment 2), the Internet is significantly less effective than face-to-face communication channels. In both cases, farmers who used the Internet spent more time and devoted extra effort. The experiments proved that agronomists remain the most effective information source. Results also illustrate that Internet adoption is not necessarily synonymous with its use.
45. Farm households' simultaneous use of sources to access information on cotton crop production
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Yaseen, Muhammad (author), Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed (author), and Soni, Peeyush (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10489
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 19(2): 149-161
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal., This study has investigated farm households' simultaneous use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information on cotton crop production. The study was based on a field survey, conducted in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from 399 cotton farm households using the multistage sampling technique. Important combinations of information sources were found in terms of their simultaneous use to access information. The study also examined the factors influencing the use of various available information sources. A multivariate probit model was used considering the correlation among the use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern ICTs. The findings indicated the importance of different socioeconomic and institutional factors affecting farm households' use of available information sources on cotton production. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on findings.
46. Factors affecting the selection of information sources of sustainable agricultural practices by Malaysian vegetable farmers
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Tey, Yeong Sheng (author), Brindal, Mark (author), Li, Elton (author), Gill, Gurjeet (author), Bruwer, Johan (author), Abdullah, Amin Mahir (author), Radam, Alias (author), Ismail, Mohd Mansor (author), and Darham, Suryani (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- unknown
- Published:
- Taylor & Francis
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10491
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
- Journal Title Details:
- 19(2) 162-175
- Notes:
- 15 pages., via online journal., Information is key in reducing the uncertainties of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). The objective of this study was to improve the understanding of the relationship between utilized informational sources and other key identified factors affecting Malaysian vegetable producers' choices. The findings of a multivariate probit model suggest that information sources are complementary. The choices for these sources are influenced by heterogeneity in access to credit, social network (member of farmers association), and farm settings (distance from farm to market, resource depletion issues, and geographical regions). Future promotion of SAPs should be delivered through the provision of quality content disseminated through the preferred information sources, which target potential users.
47. Farmers and climate change: a cross-national comparison of beliefs and risk perceptions in high-income countries
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Prokopy, Linda S. (author), Arbuckle, J.G. (author), Barnes, Andrew P. (author), Haden, V. R. (author), Hogan, Anthony (author), Niles, Meredith T. (author), and Tyndall, John (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2015
- Published:
- Springer
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10507
- Journal Title:
- Environmental Management
- Journal Title Details:
- 56:492–504
- Notes:
- 13 pages., via online journal., Climate change has serious implications for the agricultural industry—both in terms of the need to adapt to a changing climate and to modify practices to mitigate for the impacts of climate change. In high-income countries where farming tends to be very intensive and large scale, it is important to understand farmers’ beliefs and concerns about climate change in order to develop appropriate policies and communication strategies. Looking across six study sites—Scotland, Midwestern United States, California, Australia, and two locations in New Zealand—this paper finds that over half of farmers in each location believe that climate change is occurring. However, there is a wide range of beliefs regarding the anthropogenic nature of climate change; only in Australia do a majority of farmers believe that climate change is anthropogenic. In all locations, a majority of farmers believe that climate change is not a threat to local agriculture. The different policy contexts and existing impacts from climate change are discussed as possible reasons for the variation in beliefs. This study compared varying surveys from the different locations and concludes that survey research on farmers and climate change in diverse locations should strive to include common questions to facilitate comparisons.
48. Understanding consumer resistance to the consumption of organic food. a study of ethical consumption, purchasing, and choice behaviour
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Kushwah, Shiksha (author), Dhir, Amandeep (author), and Sagar, Mahim (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2019
- Published:
- Elsevier
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10533
- Journal Title:
- Food Quality and Preference
- Journal Title Details:
- 77:1-14
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal., Although the demand for organic food is growing globally, the mainstream consumption of organic food is far less. The present study attempts to understand the underlying reasons for consumer resistance toward consuming organic food using the theoretical framework of innovation resistance theory (IRT). The study further examines the association between different consumer barriers and purchase decisions (purchase intentions, ethical consumption intentions, and choice behaviour) at different levels of buying involvement and environmental concerns. The collected data, consisting of 452 consumers, were analyzed by structural equation modeling approach. The results showed that value barrier shared a negative association with purchase intentions and ethical consumption intentions. Ethical consumption and purchase intention were found to have a direct influence on choice behaviour. Additionally, the relationship between ethical consumption intention and choice behaviour is mediated by purchase intention. However, no significant differences have emerged based on the level of buying involvement and environment concerns. The findings of the study provide insight into public policymakers, marketers, suppliers, and consumer associations by enhancing their current understanding of buying behaviour of the growing organic food community.
49. Does risk communication really decrease cooperation in climate change mitigation?
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Farjam, Mike (author), Nikolaychuk, Olexandr (author), and Bravo, Giangiacomo (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-07
- Published:
- Springer
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10535
- Journal Title:
- Climatic Change
- Journal Title Details:
- 149:147–158
- Notes:
- 12 pages., via online journal., Effective communication of risks involved in the climate change discussion is crucial and despite ambitious protection policies, the possibility of irreversible consequences actually occurring can only be diminished but never ruled out completely. We present a laboratory experiment that studies how residual risk of failure of climate change policies affects willingness to contribute to such policies. Despite prevailing views on people’s risk aversion, we found that contributions were higher at least in the final part of treatments including a residual risk. We interpret this as the product of a psychological process where residual risk puts participants into an ”alarm mode,” keeping their contributions high. We discuss the broad practical implications this might have on the real-world communication of climate change.
50. Factors affecting the perceptions of Iranian agricultural researchers towards nanotechnology
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Hosseini, Seyed Mahmood (author) and Rezaei, Rohollah (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2011
- Published:
- SAGE Journals
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 32 Document Number: D10593
- Journal Title:
- Public Understanding of Science
- Journal Title Details:
- 20(4): 513–524
- Notes:
- 12 pages., via online journal., This descriptive survey research was undertaken to design appropriate programs for the creation of a positive perception of nanotechnology among their intended beneficiaries. In order to do that, the factors affecting positive perceptions were defined. A stratified random sample of 278 science board members was selected out of 984 researchers who were working in 22 National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs). Data were collected by using a mailed questionnaire. The descriptive results revealed that more than half of the respondents had “low” or “very low” familiarity with nanotechnology. Regression analysis indicated that the perceptions of Iranian NARI Science Board Members towards nanotechnology were explained by three variables: the level of their familiarity with emerging applications of nanotechnology in agriculture, the level of their familiarity with nanotechnology and their work experiences. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the present situation of the development of nanotechnology and the planning of appropriate programs for creating a positive perception of nanotechnology.
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