Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C12028
Notes:
214 p.; Reports on a 1995 workshop co-organized by the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, the Overseas Development Institute, and World Neighbors.
Latin America: Agricultural Research and Extension Network, Overseas Development Institute
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 136 Document Number: C20764
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, pages 11-18, Network Paper no. 59a from "Farmer-led approaches to extension : papers presented at a workshop in the Philippines, July 1995"
Bebbington, Anthony J. (author), Carrasco, Hernan (author), Peralbo, Lourdes (author), Ramon, Galo (author), Trujillo, Jorge (author), and Torres, Victor (author)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
1993-07
Published:
Latin America: Agricultural Administration (Research and Extension) Network, Agricultural Administration Unit, Overseas Development Institute
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 135 Document Number: C20613
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, 28 pages, Network Paper 41, ISSN 0952-2468
Latin America: Agricultural Research and Extension Network, Overseas Development Institute
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 136 Document Number: C20763
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, pages 1-10, Network Paper no. 59a from "Farmer-led approaches to extension : papers presented at a workshop in the Philippines, July 1995"
16 pages, via online journal article, Purpose: In this paper, the knowledge dynamics of the farmer–rural extensionist’ interface were explored from extensionists’ perspective with the aim of understanding the matchmaking processes between supply and demand of extension services at the micro-level. Design/methodology/approach: Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with extensionists whom work in the North-Eastern, Argentine provinces. Findings: Two different, general types of knowledge dynamics were identified: one moderately diffusionist, based on a hierarchical relationship and the prioritisation of experts’ knowledge, and the other constructivist, based on horizontal processes of co-construction. Interestingly, some extensionists support beliefs pertaining to both approaches. They also highlight the importance of unceremonious trainings, interpersonal trust and making recommendations that take into account farmers’ rationale. Practical implications: Results show the persistence of diffusionist rural extension and that extensionists have different, even contradictory, extension approaches, which renders inappropriate any attempt to generalise their perspectives. Theoretical implications: This study suggests that farmers’ demand is the result of a constructive, interactive process, and thus is not prior to the interaction between the demand side (farmers) and the supply side (extensionists). Consequently, the knowledge and power dynamics that take place within the farmer–extensionist interface should be considered the nucleus of demand construction and the matchmaking process. Originality/value: This paper addresses the dynamic matchmaking process between supply and demand of extension services at the micro-level, suggesting it is a constructive process and showing the core role played by power dynamics.
