INTERPAKS, Suggests the development of a farming systems approach for use by on-farm advisors in the developing world. Outlines procedures which could form the basis of a low-cost method of improving the effectiveness of farm-level advice in isolated areas with little recourse to institutional farming systems research organizations.
Pemberton, Carlisle A. (author / University of the West Indies, Senate House)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1990-11
Published:
Caribbean: Department of Agricultural Extension, The University of the West Indies
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 133 Document Number: C20513
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, pages 7-41 from "Farm-household analysis, planning and development : a systems approach" Proceedings of a Caribbean Regional Workshop
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: KerryByrnes1 Document Number: D01286
Notes:
Kerry J. Byrnes Collection, United States Agency for International Development. A.I.D. evaluation special study, no. 67. 43 pages., A.I.D.'s experience with farming systems research and extension (FSR/E) has been mixed. FSR/E projects have provided opportunities for developing country professionals to acquire training and field experience in this new approach to research. However, most projects have bot had the impact on technology development and transfer or institutionalization of FSR/E as had been assumed in project designs. This report, based on a case study review of evaluations of 12 A.I.D.-funded projects, synthesizes the Agency's experience with FSR/E from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's and assesses the impact of these projects on agricultural development.
12 pages., Purpose
Pervasive use of poor quality seed remains an important reason for low yields throughout the developing world. We explore ways to increase the quality of the local stock of seed tubers among a sample of Ugandan potato farmers.
Design/methodology/approach: Using videos, we provide agricultural extension information on (i) how to select the best seed tubers and (ii) how to properly handle and store seed tubers until the next planting season. The relative effectiveness of the information interventions is tested using an individually randomized controlled trial where we model spillovers using a randomization-based framework for estimating causal effects under interference between units.
Findings: Especially the video on seed selection translated into increased awareness and adoption of recommended practices, increased probability of using improved inputs, as well as higher consumption.
Practical implications: Interventions aimed at improving seed quality are important in the absence of access to high-quality seed. Video messages are becoming increasingly useful as a complementary tool in agricultural extension.
Theoretical implications: Randomization-based inference can be used to take into account spillover effects in the analysis rather than the design phase of an experiment.
Originality/value: This is the first study to address seed quality of potato tubers in a real-world setting using videos.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C19802
Notes:
Pages 143-149 in Burton E. Swanson, Robert P. Bentz and Andrew J. Sofranko (eds.), Improving agricultural extension: a reference manual. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. 220 pages.
15 pages., The determinants of agricultural extension communication channel usage depend on several factors but have not been explored in the context of emergency (Fall Armyworm outbreak) and non-emergency situations. A multistage purposive sampling technique was used to select 318 farmers, focusing on the districts and the communities with the highest reported cases of fall armyworm infestation. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit analysis were used in the analysis of the data. The results showed an increase in the intensity of channels’ usage in the emergency situation. It was also found that fertilizer and improved seeds were the most common extension need. Channels are found to be more complementary in the emergency case. In both situations, some factors explaining the choices of these channels varied, while others agreed. The study recommends multiple channels are made available and that time-consuming channels irrespective of their effectiveness should be avoided by extensionists in emergency situations.
33 pages, This study surveyed 258 organic grain farmers in Iowa in the U.S. Midwest. We identified seven areas of challenges related to organic grain farming adoption: organic farming operations, marketing, policy, finance, inputs and information, social pressures, and land tenure. Respondents reported three key areas where extension programs were needed: education, research, and technical services. Regarding outreach formats, organic farmers preferred events where peers were featured or provided leadership, such as field days, one-on-one mentor programs, and farmer-to-farmer workshops. Results provided empirical evidence to support theoretical discussions and policy implications on issues related to adoption of organic grain farming.
