Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 199 Document Number: D10033
Notes:
Script of a "Marketplace" program segment on National Public Radio, Washington, D.C. 2 pages., Reports on a successful campaign promoting cotton in competition with "wash and wear" synthetic fabrics during the 1970s.
pgs. 1423-1448, Via online journal, Researchers who are interested in small towns and rural communities in the United States often find that they need to conduct their own sample surveys because many large national surveys, such as the American Community Survey, do not collect enough representative responses to make precise estimates. In collecting their own survey data, researchers face a number of challenges, such as sampling and coverage limitations. This article summarizes those challenges and tests mail and Internet methodologies for collecting data in small towns and rural communities using the U.S. Postal Service’s Delivery Sequence File as a sample frame. Findings indicate that the Delivery Sequence File can be used to sample households in rural locations by sending them invitations via postal mail to respond to either paper-and-pencil or Internet surveys. Although the mail methodology is quite successful, the results for the Internet suggest that Web surveys alone exclude potentially important segments of the population of small towns and rural communities. However, Web surveys supplemented with postal questionnaires produce results quite similar to those of mail-only surveys, representing a possible cost savings for researchers who have access to Web survey capabilities.
Via online UI subscription, Recent research suggests that Internet usage can positively influence social capital in
rural communities by fostering avenues for voluntary participation and creating social
networks. Most of this research has examined whether Internet use is associated
with participation in local organizations and social networks but not the means by
which residents use the technology to learn about local activities. To address this
gap in the literature, the authors use a mixed-methods approach in an isolated rural
region of the western United States to evaluate how residents use their connections
to maintain local social networks and learn about local community events and
organizations. The authors show that Internet usage can play an important role in
building social capital in rural communities, thus extending the systemic model of rural
voluntary participation and community attachment. Implications for rural community
development are addressed.
18 pages., Via online journal., The study asserts that rural villages which have developed relatively complex communication systems have extensive local knowledge and practice systems. Using the knowledge and community-based perspective, the study departs from past works of development communication scholars, who have focused their attention mainly on the transfer of information. The study is concerned with how meaning is created and shared in rural communities through the use of communication. It looks at how small homogenous farming communities in Thailand – world’s number one rice exporter – utilize communication to improve rice crop production. It asks: what roles does communication play in the formation of collective definitions (perspectives) and the construction/management of local knowledge and practices on rice farming? To explore the plausibility of this paper’s assertion, ethnographies of two rice farming villages were conducted – Baan Sap Som Boon (irrigated) in Chainat province (Central Region) and Baan Hua Hae (rainfed) in Ubon Ratchathani province (Northeast Region). Data generation period was from October 2004 to July 2005. Research results indicate that Baan Sap Som Boon has both an extensive knowledge of rice farming methods and procedures and an elaborate community-based communication system. Baan Hua Hae, on the other hand, practices more traditional means of rice production and divides time with other livelihood activities. In both villages, communication plays a central role in improving crop production via facilitating the formation of collective definitions on rice farming, labor, economics and agriculture-related institutions.
13 pages., The original website no longer has a copy of the article. Access is available through ERIC database. ERIC Number: EJ890607, Via online source., This article discusses three sites that disrupt accustomed expectations and roles for technical communication. These sites include an agricultural processing site that is requesting tax abatements in exchange for decreased emissions so that it can remain competitive in the global market. The second is also an agricultural manufacturing site that remains globally competitive by increasing efficiencies and expanding the range of products made at the site. Finally, the essay discusses a manufacturing facility that takes finished products-automobiles-and remanufactures them for a niche market of users. Each of these Midwestern sites is globally competitive and challenges expectations for high technology work. Taken together, they gesture toward new definitions of work, in new postindustrial context, and offer insight for defining technical communication in the postindustrial age. The remaining challenge, for scholars and teachers, is to articulate emerging literacy practices supporting postindustrial manufacturing, and to participate in the knowledge management that supports innovation. Here, each site takes something that would have previously been considered either finished product or waste and rearticulates it as an ingredient in a new product. At the least, technical communicators will need to learn to document such organization's innovation and change. At best, such change invites technical communicators, acting as knowledge managers, to articulate opportunities for innovation. Research, a traditional strength of technical writing preparation, allows organizations to better prepare and understand change, turning disruption into opportunity. Postindustrial business practices are no longer the work of futurists, but the reality and structure of the workplace today. Each work site described in this article presents opportunities for basic research into emerging workplaces in need of the expertise of technical and professional writers; each is an example and potential model for knowledge work.
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.
9 pages., Via online journal., As a consequence of recent food safety incidents, consumer trust in European food safety management has diminished. A risk governance framework that formally institutes stakeholder (including consumer) consultation and dialogue through a transparent and accountable process has been proposed, with due emphasis on risk communication. This paper delivers actionable policy recommendations based on consumer preferences for different approaches to food risk management. These results suggest that risk communication should be informed by knowledge of consumer risk perceptions and information needs, including individual differences in consumer preferences and requirements, and differences in these relating to socio-historical context associated with regulation. In addition, information about what is being done to identify, prevent and manage food risks needs to be communicated to consumers, together with consistent messages regarding preventative programs, enforcement systems, and scientific uncertainty and variability associated with risk assessments. Cross-cultural differences in consumer perception and information preferences suggest a national or regional strategy for food risk communication may be more effective than one applied at a pan-European level.
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.
Stockamp, Ashley (author) and Oklahoma State University
Format:
Dissertation
Publication Date:
2010
Published:
Ann Arbor: ProQuest
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 16 Document Number: D10466
Notes:
108 pages., ISBN: 9781124211367, Via Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global., Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to determine the professional development and curriculum needs of Oklahoma secondary agricultural education teachers as related to teaching agricultural communications. A qualitative study was conducted through a semi-structured focus group interview. The interview took place at a teacher training and included 19 participating teachers.
Findings and conclusions. A majority of the participating teachers had fewer than five year experience as secondary agricultural education teachers and in teaching agricultural communications The participants expressed a need for better teaching resources and curriculum in agricultural communications. The teachers said a database should be available to help the teachers develop their lesson plans and prepare for the agricultural communications career development event. Workshops for students were mentioned as a way to improve performance in the agricultural communications career development event. Based on these findings, the researcher concluded the universities need to assist in developing appropriate agricultural communications materials for secondary agricultural education. Prospective teachers also should be given training in agricultural communications during post-secondary education. Students at the secondary level should be given more opportunities to attend workshops in all areas of agricultural communications. More research should be conducted on the needs of secondary agricultural education students in agricultural communications as well as into the effects of improved materials for current secondary agricultural education teachers. This study should be repeated with different professional groups including agricultural communications faculty, agricultural education faculty, and pre-service students in agricultural education. The CIMC curriculum was improved in 2009 to address some of the issues presented by participating teachers.
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.
30 pages., via online journal., Faced with the task of communicating their combined social, environmental
and economic impact, water service providers are seeking to report overall performance
in an aggregated way. Such a methodology must be scientifically robust, easily
communicated and allow benchmarking of performance while reflecting a transition
towards sustainability. In this paper the ecological footprint (EF) is calculated for
Sydney Water Corporation (SWC), using input–output analysis and land disturbance in
an innovative approach that overcomes problems identified in the original EF concept.
This pilot study has allowed SWC to gain some valuable insights into its impacts:
SWC’s annual EF is about 73 100 ha in terms of land disturbance. Of this, 54 000 ha
are projected to become disturbed as a consequence of climate change, with the remainder
of 19 100 ha being disturbed on SWC’s premises (2400 ha) and on those of upstream
suppliers (16 700 ha). Total on-site impacts equal 9300 ha, while indirect land disturbance contributes 63 600 ha. The EF appears promising as an educational and communication tool and may have potential as a decision support tool. However, further research
is needed to incorporate downstream impacts into the EF, which would have significant
benefits to SWC in terms of assessing and communicating the organization’s overall
progress towards sustainability.
Martinez, Steve (author), Hand, Michael (author), Da Pra, Michelle (author), Pollack, Susan (author), Ralston, Katherine (author), Smith, Travis (author), Vogel, Stephen (author), Clark, Shellye (author), Lohr, Luanne (author), Low, Sarah (author), and Newman, Constance (author)
Format:
Research report
Publication Date:
2010-05
Published:
USA: Economic Research Service, U.S Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 93 Document Number: D10861
Notes:
Printed results of related research (Appendices A and B)retained in ACDC., Economic Research Report Number 97. Online via University of Illinois Extension. 87 pages.
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10897
Notes:
8 pages., IAALD XIIIth World Congress., via IAALD website., Governments have been largely responsible for research and the provision of extension services in Nigeria. The emphasis has been on the transfer of technology, paying little attention to farmer development and communication needs. Recently, the high output of agricultural research has led to a large pool of new agricultural technologies, which are yet to be disseminated to farmers, particularly those in the core rural areas. Therefore this study examined development and information need of the resource poor and the strategy adopted to meet these needs, using „town crier‟ as a case study. The study identified 2 states in south west, Nigeria, based on literature/past studies, where this concept has been adopted. A focused group discussion technique and interview schedule was adopted for data collection. The study identified 141 „town criers‟ across the study areas through the help of key informants. Results shown all Town Criers are male, average age of 55.54 years and all have postsecondary education. Town Crier primarily source of information is from the traditional-head. Main information disseminated by the Town Crier bothers on security of the town and community development and projects. The study concluded that this channel rarely meets the information need of the people, as the study revealed that only 20% of such information meets these needs. Past studies have documented that information/communication channels in Nigeria such as extension institution has collapse, there is no effective communication channels in the country again. The small number of extension officers that exists, only congregate at the urban towns, leaving behind those at the rural areas. Thus, the use of town criers in this regards can be used effectively to fill this gap and can also be trained on basic extension work.
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10916
Notes:
6 pages., IAALD XIIIth World Congress, via IAALD website., This paper presents our experience in building a rural and agriculture development communication
network in Egypt to improve the communication among extension, research, private and public
sectors and institutions involved in rural and agricultural development for the benefit of farmers
and agrarian businesses at rural and village level. The paper describes the main components of the
network: the web based information system, the rural communication network, and the mass
media. The lesson learned and future plans are also introduced.
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10917
Notes:
14 pages., via IAALD website., The study determined farmers’ adoption of Organic agricultural technologies disseminated via radio
farmer agricultural Extension programme in Imo state, Nigeria. An interview schedule was used to
collect data from a sample of 200 farmers. Results show that radio farmer broadcast and co-farmers
were the major sources of information to greater proportion of the farmers. Data on relevance of the
organic agricultural technologies disseminated showed that almost all the technologies were perceived
to be relevant except the use of biological pest control farming. The radio farmer agricultural
programme enhanced the extent of adoption of organic agricultural technologies namely; crop rotation
practice, planting of indigenous varieties, application of compost, mulching of crops, intercropping,
mixed cropping, crop residues, animal manuring, planting of legumes, green manure, off farm organic
waste, minimum tillage and alley cropping. Nevertheless, the adoptions of the technologies were
generally low. Age, farming experience and social participation significantly influenced adoption of
organic agricultural technologies disseminated via radio farm agricultural Extension programme. Major
constraints identified include short duration of programme, inappropriate scheduling of programme,
inability to ask relevant questions and get feed back from the radio presenter. The study recommends
among other things the rescheduling of the radio programme to very late in the evenings when the
farmers will be opportune to listen to the programme.
July 23 issue via online. 2 pages., Describes the purchase of American Nurseryman magazine by Vermont-based agricultural publisher, Moose River Media serving the green and agricultural industries.
Online from the University of Illinois online catalog - article search via Wiley Online Library., Authors summarize advantages of demonstration in the realm of conservation science, connecting researchers with users. They also suggest four actions to connect science to the needs of resource managers via demonstration.
6 pages., Online via Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)., Author analyzed case studies of corruption reported in 24/7 "convergent" media and concluded: "As the mainstream media is failing in exposing the enormous corruption in the government, there is a need to use the 'convergence' and 'blogging' to expose the corruption from the people side."
12 pages., Online via publication website., Traces the development of the slaughterhouse as a specialized institution through three major periods, beginning in the 18th century. Includes consequences of modern slaughterhouses on cities, small communities, and cultural values, perceptions and tensions.
10 pages., Due to the Library's response to COVID-19, this document is currently only available through online access. If no link is provided in this record, the ACDC will make this document accessible through our collection once we are able to return to our office., This article explores some issues that have been important in the climate change mitigation debate in Australia. Findings suggest that opinion leaders believe the policy has been slow to progress due to media promotion of the uncertainty associated with climate change science, the weakness of leadership, and the political cost of unpalatable policy.
10 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription., Results of 251 consumer surveys in four UK supermarkets revealed that only 5.6% nominated country of origin as one of the reasons for choosing a fresh food item they had just purchased. However, stated preference surveys in the street found that 21.5% indicated that "food miles" or "the long distance it travels" would stop them buying New Zealand products. "What people say may differ substantially from what they actually do in regard to 'food miles'."
9 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription., The study involved a survey among 39 respondents from the milling industry and supermarkets, the main processors and distributors of maize products, in seven urban centres of Kenya. Identified information sources, knowledge level of biotechnology, and perceptions and preferences involving genetically modified food.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 147 Document Number: D11575
Journal Title Details:
21(1-2) : 19-25
Notes:
7 pages., Online from journal via UI e-subscription, This article built on the concept of negotiation and provided a more narrowly focused framework for negotiating content-related political dynamics within workplace training settings. Author described the Facilitator as Mediator (FAM) model
8 pages., Special issue. Online via open access., Using evidence in existing literature, authors created an economic model to predict the impact of obesity on the aggregate lifetime earnings for the Millennium Generation and the consequences for employers and employees. They proposed a common health framework to business strategies to contain costs and maximize Millennial workers' health and productivity.
11 pages., Online via UI e-subscription, Researchers investigated the relative effectiveness of comparative and non-comparative advertising in communicating the differentiating attributes of a brand of pasta among the Italian consumer respondents. Results showed that comparative advertising's effect depends on consumers' perceived differentiation among the brands and consumers' level of involvement with the specific product category.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 148 Document Number: D11590
Notes:
3 pages., Online from publisher website. 2 pages., Report explains that more than $1 billion are "flowing to 126 communities in 38 states and tribal lands to build broadband networks." Author summarizes a Federal Communications Commission resource page explaining why rural broadband is so important.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 148 Document Number: D11592
Journal Title Details:
21(1-2) : 19-25
Notes:
8 pages., Online via UI e-subscription., Author introduces a model for use in program planning centered on formulation, administrative approval, and delivery of learning content. Cites planning as a process in which multiple parties with many disparate interests are present and the planner must work to negotiate those interests so that successful and effective programs are produced and provided.
Online via keyword search of UI ECatalog., Historical analysis of environmental journalism in Brazil, centered on the pioneering efforts of Euclydes da Cunha in his "masterful Os Sertoes published in 1897." Warnings of "the ecological devastation of the Brazilian backlands" continue to echo in public dialogue.
Online via UI Library electronic subscription, Authors analyzed why some social movement organizations were more successful than others in gaining media attention. They drew upon organizational survey data from a representative sample of 187 local environmental organizations in North Carolina with complete news coverage of those organizations in 11 major daily newspapers in the state during the two years following the survey.
14 pages, Price dispersion across markets is common in developing countries. Using novel market and trader-level data, this paper provides estimates of the impact of mobile phones on price dispersion across grain markets in Niger. The introduction of mobile phone service between 2001 and 2006 explains a 10 to 16 percent reduction in grain price dispersion. The effect is stronger for market pairs with higher transport costs. (JEL O13, O33, Q11, Q13)
