8 pages., via online journal., Land degradation and soil nutrient depletion have become serious threats to agricultural productivity in sub- Saharan Africa. To improve agriculture production, research has led to recommendation of a range of integrated Soil fertility Management (ISFM) options, of proven effectiveness, for soil fertility improvement. Although many factors contribute to the low adoption of ISFM by farmers, communication gaps between extension agents and farmers lie at the heart of the problem. Hence, the study sought to investigate factors considered by agricultural extension agents in selection of communication channels to disseminate soil fertility information in the central highlands of Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from 105 extension agents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. In choosing the communication method to be used in dissemination of soil fertility management (SFM) practices, target group was scored as the most relevant factor followed by type of SFM, time available then number of staff sequentially. Education was perceived to highly influence the selection of workshop (M= 3.4) while age was perceived to highly influence the selection of video showing (M= 2.8) as extension methods in dissemination of SFM. The implication of the study is that diverse communication channels should be utilized to get to farmers of different socio economic characteristics.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C37233
Notes:
Via BBC World Service - Communication, Media and Development Policy. 5 pages., Author suggests that the complexities of climate change may prompt consideration of staging probable near-future scenarios - "what if" and "what next" case reports that might be presented through popular theatre. They might illustrate probable situations, bold decisions of some, reluctance to change among others.
14 pages., via online journal., Parks and protected areas can be ideal settings for climate change communication since many visitors have an affinity for natural and cultural settings, and an interest in resource protection. However, climate-based education efforts in the Midwestern United States may need a slightly different approach since this region lacks obvious indicators, such as sea level rise and melting glaciers. Interpretation, an informal communication process designed to transmit scientific information to visitors in leisure-based settings, could be a useful strategy for engaging visitors in climate change discussions. Few studies have assessed perceptions of interpreters on this topic, much less, their willingness to communicate such information. To address this issue, a mixed methods approach (surveys, interviews, photovoice) was used to examine interpreters’ perceptions of climate change and its impacts in Missouri State Park and Historic Sites. Although nearly 70% of interpreters were either alarmed or concerned about climate change, many of them were unsure about its causation. Interpreters report observing impacts such as flooding, earlier plant blooming, high temperatures, extreme weather, and invasive species, but were uncertain about attributing these impacts to climate change. Interpreters did not believe that visitors would be responsive to climate-based education per se but thought the topic could be addressed in pre-existing programs and activities. Rather than discussing complex science with visitors, interpreters felt more comfortable with conveying the significance of resources at their sites. Implications from this study include acknowledging multiple viewpoints, framing strategic messages, and developing place-based educational materials.
Retrieved June 16, 2006, 3 pages., Discusses information-related issues associated with criticism of Coca-Cola Company on the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Joffre, Olivier M. (author), Bosma, Roel H. (author), Ligtenberg, Arend (author), Tri, Van Pham Dang (author), Ha, Tran Thi Phung (author), and Bregt, Arnold K. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2015-12
Published:
Vietnam: Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 160 Document Number: D07800
Dillon, Justin (author) and Hobson, Marie (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2013
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D08799
Notes:
Pages 323-336 in Dillon, Justin, Towards a convergence between science and environmental education: the selected works of Justin Dillon. United States: Routledge, New York City, New York, 2017. 361 pages.
USA: Delmar, Centage Learning, Clifton Park, New York.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D01730
Notes:
"As communicators, we are caretakers of an industry - one of the most important industries in the history of humankind. It is our duty as students and teachers of agriculture to learn, as efficiently and thoroughly as we can, the skills needed to tell a positive story about agriculture through words, pictures and Web site content. This book will help you in that goal." (p. xiii)
