Abbott, Eric A. (author), Yarbrough, J. Paul (author), and Abbott: Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Iowa State University; Yarbrough: Department of Communication, Cornell University
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 90 Document Number: C06428
James F. Evans Collection, New communication technologies such as the microcomputer, videotex/teletext systems, the videocassette recorder, and satellite receiving dishes have been available to farmers since the early 1980s. This longitudinal study examines ethical issues associated with the impact that differential patterns of adoption and use of these technologies have had on inequalities among farmers from 1982 to 1989. The results demonstrate a strong adoption and use bias toward larger scale farmers who already have well-developed skills for handling information. This bias is especially strong for microcomputer and videotex/teletex systems and it is increasing over time. Although the same farmers are not adopting all communication innovations, there is a strong tendency toward the already information-rich making the most use of the innovations they adopt. The article concludes with several recommendations that would help minimize some of these information inequalities. (original)
James F. Evans Collection, In the state of Jalisco, Mexico, results from postgraduate training for production oriented private consultants have been dramatic. The program is backed by FIRA (Fondo de Grantia y Fomento para la Agricultura Ganaderia y Fideicomisos Agricolas), a part of the agricultural branch of the Bank of Mexico. Results clearly show that yields of corn and other grains in west-central Mexico can be increased and that unit cost of production can be reduced.
James F. Evans Collection; Adapted from a presentation entitled "New paradigms for technology transfer" contained in Conference Proceedings, 1992 Symposium for Research in Agricultural and Extension Education; 1992 May; Columbus, OH
Agunga, In this article, the author proposes that one way to minimize the rate of project failures is to establish rules which project managers would be required to follow. It is the view of this author that some of these rules may already exist in the form of project formulation guidelines. These guidelines are, in large part, based upon research in development. They include local participation, integrated development, basic needs, women in development, and appropriate technology. These guidelines, carefully followed, have the potential to lead to project success. The problem is that it is the rare project wherein these guidelines have been observed. Thus, the author contends that the codification of these guidelines and other related concepts into standard development rules followed by the establishment of a mechanism to ensure that these rules are adhered to, are the tools needed to dig out of the development crisis.
