Poling, Richard L. (author / University of Tennesse. P.O.Box 1071. Knoxville, TN 37901-1071 USA) and Cason, Katherine L (author / Clemson University)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1999-03-23
Published:
Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 138 Document Number: C21002
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, 7 pages, Session O, from "1999 conference proceedings -- Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education", 15th Annual Conference, 21-24 March 1999, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 25-26, Tobago
Online from publication., Essay about the career, writings, and perspectives of a long-time faculty member at the University of Montana. One perspective emphasized: "Aging is unavoidable. Growing up, though, takes work."
Irani, Tracy (author), Sitton, Shelly (author), Robertson, J. Tanner (author), Hynes, James W. (author), Cartmell, D. Dwayne (author), Blackwell, Cindy (author), Edwards, M. Craig (author), and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
Format:
Abstract
Publication Date:
2010-05
Published:
Mali
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 185 Document Number: D00426
Notes:
Abstract of article in the proceedings of the 26th annual meeting of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, May 16-19, 2010.
11 pages, via online journal, Purpose: Educational farms (EFs) serve a number of social and economic functions and are part of the debate about new learning environments, multifunctional agriculture and firm diversification. Through the analysis of a case study, this paper aims to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of EFs and key factors for setting a development strategy.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A direct survey to EFs in Molise region (IT) was implemented during April-May 2017 and results were assessed following a SWOT approach.
Findings: Strong motivation and connection with agritourism activities are strengths of EFs in the region; small size, unskilled staff, lack of structured educational pathways, and limited profitability are the main weaknesses. Farms opportunities come from a territory rich in rural landscapes, environmental resources, and typical food products, and from a growing demand for educational tourism. Obstacles are in the institutional sphere and due to the absence of regional networks. Based on SWOT findings, key factors for EFs development are discussed.
Practical implications: EFs development requires innovative educational and managerial tools, a more concerted and proactive role for multiple stakeholders, and the implementation of a network approach. Study findings solicit actions from public institutions and advisory services to improve farmers’ skills.
Theoretical implications: The paper contributes to the theoretical debate about the need for a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with the analysis of EFs.
Originality/Value: The analysis underlines the importance of internal and external drivers in stimulating farms and institutions to support diversification strategies, rural development and transformation processes in inner areas.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C25273
Notes:
Pages 259-264 in Zachary Michael Jack (ed.), Black earth and ivory tower: new American essays from farm and classroom. University of South Carolina Press. 312 pages., Author describes how his combination of rural background and communications interests has influenced and interacted with his career in an academic community.
