PurposeAs poor agricultural spray practices can result in inefficiency, product resistance and the occurrence of spray drift, we investigated the determinants (barriers and drivers) associated with responsible spray practice with emphasis on reducing spray drift.Design/Methodology/ApproachWe interviewed 30 key informants across the cotton, grain and horticulture industries and surveyed 180 growers to identify key spray behaviours and identify potential drivers and barriers, which were categorised using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behavioural model. Latent profile analysis was used to segment growers based on their current adoption of the key behaviours.FindingsTwenty key behaviours to fulfil the goals of responsible spray practice were identified and three grower segments based on current adoption of these key behaviours - Best Practice Operators, Inconsistent Adopters and Disengaged Operators - along with 77 determinants that enabled or impeded key behaviour adoption.Practical ImplicationsOur results underscore the complex nature of responsible spray practices and the large number of barriers faced by growers to get it right every time they spray. It offers actionable insights for developing effective interventions to assist growers and enhance agricultural spray practices.Theoretical ImplicationsBy the use of psychological theory and audience segmentation, we have generated evidence and analysis that can be used in the development of agricultural education and extension strategies.Originality/ValueOur study is the first to demonstrate the value of applying the COM model and Behaviour Change Wheel framework to identify targeted interventions and policy strategies that could effectively improve agricultural spray practices.
PurposeThis article examines professional codevelopment group (CDG) workshops as both peer support for agrifood extension professionals and a source of empirical data on their everyday work, in the context of climate adaptation in French dairy Geographical Indication (GI) value chains.Design/Methodology/ApproachFive CDG workshops (September 2024-May 2025) were conducted within the ADAOPT action-research project with animators from six French dairy PGI/PDO organisations. Data combine thematic and logometric analyses of four transcribed workshops and one observational report.FindingsSeven themes and four lexical classes reveal a saturated facilitation role, tensions between core-group dynamics and representativeness, governance and monitoring as invisible yet decisive activities, and difficulties in scaling learning beyond pioneer groups. A key tension emerges: climate adaptation is simultaneously deprioritised in formal agendas yet implicitly structures operational priorities. The logometric classification further reveals a structural opposition between institutional maintenance work and transition-oriented collective action, suggesting that this tension shapes the architecture of animators' professional preoccupations.Practical implicationsCDG workshops strengthen reflexive, relational and strategic competences among extension professionals and make governance trade-offs discussable, offering a format transferable to in-service training.Theoretical implicationsCDG functions as a hybrid tool, simultaneously an intervention and a research method, able to access the often-invisible work of intermediary actors in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems.Originality/valueThis is one of the first empirical applications of CDG in agricultural extension research, combining thematic and logometric analysis to study extensionists' everyday practices in GI dairy value chains facing climate adaptation.
Purpose: This study investigates the interactions between human (farmers and farm advisers) and non-human (RiceAdvice) actors. It shows how farmers and farm advisers negotiate and integrate RiceAdvice in their practices, and how this influences knowledge flow, decision-making, and advisory roles. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research uses Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and applies thematic analysis to qualitative data from 55 farmer interviews and 19 farm adviser interviews. Findings: The results show that RiceAdvice enables farmers to obtain better and timely access to agronomic information. It supports the hybridisation of experiential and digital knowledge and enhances decision-making. Farm advisers now perform interpretation, validation and adjustment work to match digital recommendations with farmers' farming practices and reality in the fields, helping them build trust. Practical Implications: Our results show that digital farming technology like RiceAdvice complements farm advisers. Successful adoption of digital farming tools requires digital literacy, contextualisation of digital advice, and farm adviser mediation. Policymakers and extension services should train farm advisers to interpret and facilitate the use of digital insights. Theoretical Implications: By using ANT to examine how the interaction between farmers, farmer advisers, and digital farming technology shapes the interpretation and practical application of digital recommendations, this study offers new insights and contributes to agricultural extension research, highlighting the relevance of social, technical and context dynamics in the effectiveness of advisory services. Originality/Value: This research uniquely applies ANT to digital farming and emphasises the technology's collaborative role in generating knowledge and advising practices among farmers and farm advisers.
PurposeThis paper analyses the processes and outcomes of the design, piloting and expansion of a model for co-innovation to transform smallholder farming systems in Timor-Leste. It identifies what it takes to facilitate transdisciplinary research for sustainable development and institutionalise a tested model within agricultural extension and service systems in the Global South.Design/Methodology/ApproachAnalysis of co-design processes involved regular reflection, analysis and planning activities with all partners involved. An evaluation study captured the experiences, perceptions and achievements of farmers, facilitators, local leaders and researchers through semi-structured interviews and group discussions.FindingsThe processes of collective learning, innovation and action had a profound impact on farmers' lives by improving their knowledge, practical and critical skills, practices and income. Establishing strong facilitation capacity and mechanisms is essential for the sustainability and institutionalisation of these processes.Practical implicationsThe model can serve to reimagine an agricultural extension system that facilitates farmer empowerment and is better equipped to meet the needs of smallholder families in resource-constrained environments. Theoretical implications: The research enhances our understanding of the requirements to operationalise transdisciplinary research within a context of attitudinal and institutional limitations.Originality/ValueThis paper provides a comprehensive account of the potential of and institutional barriers to transdisciplinary research, learning and action to transform traditional farming systems into more profitable enterprises under resource-strained conditions.
PurposeAccess to agricultural extension and crop advisory services is critical, yet, in conflict-affected settings, their delivery and use are poorly understood. This paper has three objectives: first, to assess the distribution and types of agricultural extension services used by farmers in Myanmar; second, to examine changes in service use before and during conflict, focusing on the rise of digital agricultural services; and third, to analyze patterns of inclusion in accessing these services, comparing digital and in-person options.Design/methodology/approachWe use a mixed-method approach for analysis. We rely on primary data from unique, large-scale, and repeated farm surveys conducted in Myanmar. This is complemented by a descriptive analysis of major digital extension platforms and contextual interviews with digital extension providers.FindingsSince the onset of conflict, the use of in-person extension services has declined, while digital services have risen, with over 50 percent of farmers accessing them. Nonetheless, access remains uneven, with better-educated, wealthier, less remote, and more secure farmers benefiting disproportionately from both in-person and digital extension services.Practical implicationsDigital extension services have potential in conflict-affected settings but require targeted interventions to bridge access gaps. Policymakers must address digital literacy, connectivity, and affordability barriers.Theoretical implicationsOur research contributes to the literature by assessing the structure of digital extension services, focusing on their use in fragile settings, and advancing knowledge on the inclusiveness of agricultural extension in conflict-affected contexts.Originality/valueThis study provides timely evidence on digital agricultural advisory services in conflict settings, offering lessons for similar fragile environments globally.
PurposeThe formation of rural entrepreneurship ecosystems is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors, including actor and non-actor components, access to resources, and spatial configurations. This study aims to identify, categorize, and configure the influential factors in creating and developing social entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural society.Methodology/ApproachThe research consists of two qualitative components aimed at identifying and classifying the influential factors shaping the ecosystem and one quantitative component designed to measure interactions among these factors. The sampling method employed is the snowball method. In the qualitative section, influential factors in ecosystem formation were identified using grounded theory, while in the quantitative part, five experts were interviewed with the help of a localized questionnaire. Structural-interpretive modeling (ISM) was utilized for qualitative analysis of factor levels and ISM-DEMATEL for quantitative analysis involving 15 experts. Ultimately, the impact of factors was calculated using the DEMATEL model.FindingsThe research results highlight 24 significant and influential factors shaping social entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural Iranian society. These factors were categorized into five policy domains: policy-making, socio-cultural, educational, infrastructural, human resources, economic, and market.Practical ImplicationsThese findings show the complexity of decision-making and implementing entrepreneurship initiatives at rural levels.Theoretical implicationsThe results can act as a guide to prevent oversimplification and the absence of thorough attention to the comprehensive development of rural entrepreneurship.Originality/ValueValue of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the unique components and dynamics that shape rural entrepreneurial ecosystems. This research integrates various perspectives, emphasizing the interplay between different factors that contribute to the success of rural entrepreneurship extension.
PurposeThis study examines the factors influencing smart technology adoption among agricultural extension workers in Indonesia and evaluates its effect on performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey was conducted with 286 extension workers in West Java. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess six direct relationships.FindingsSmart technology traits and work environment were the strongest predictors of adoption, followed by competencies, communication channels, and agent characteristics. Technology adoption significantly improved extension worker performance, emphasizing that actual usage, not just access, drives service effectiveness.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should invest in user-centered tool design, infrastructure, and digital training tailored to regional needs. Extension organizations are advised to adopt continuous learning strategies and performance-based incentives. Technology developers should co-design tools with users and localize features for greater adoption.Theoretical ImplicationsThis study extends TAM and DOI by integrating organizational and communication factors, demonstrating that technology adoption in agricultural extension is shaped not only by perceived traits but also by institutional and contextual conditions.Originality/valueThis study extends TAM and DOI by incorporating organizational and communication variables and provides empirical evidence from Indonesia, a context rarely explored in the digital extension literature.
Purpose: The aim of this research is to provide an overview of farmers' competency needs and their perceptions of the importance of these competencies for innovation. Design/Methodology/Approach: In Study 1, a competency model is developed, based on interviews with German farmers and agricultural experts (N = 34), to assess farmers' competency needs. In Study 2, an online survey (N = 211) examined farmers' perceptions of the importance of competencies in the model for innovation. Findings: The findings indicate that sixteen competencies, categorized into four facets of professional, methodological, social, and personal competence, are perceived as important for innovation processes. The facets of personal, methodological, and professional competence were rated as significantly more important than social competence. Practical Implication: The competency model developed in this study provides practical guidance for identifying, developing, and applying innovation competencies among farmers, supporting education, training, recruitment, and succession planning to strengthen innovation capacity in the agricultural sector. Theoretical Implication : This study advances the theoretical understanding of innovation competencies in agriculture by contextualizing the FINCODA model, highlighting the need to consider sector-specific factors when modeling individual innovation competence. Originality/Value : This paper is the first to identify and model innovation competencies specific to farmers.
Purpose:Farming challenges continue to affect labor availability, environmental sustainability and economic viability. Smart Farming Technologies (SFTs) offer a data-driven approach to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices. This study examines the key factors influencing farmers' adoption of SFTs, while addressing the current gap in empirical research.Design/methodology/approach:The study analyzed adoption factors using the TOE (Technology-Organization-Environment) framework based on data collected from 150 farmers. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation across different categories of farmers (small, medium and large landholders). The research model was evaluated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Findings:The results indicate that technological and organizational factors are critical in determining adoption behavior, whereas environmental factors exert a comparatively moderate influence.Practical implications:The study informs policymakers and Agri-Tech stakeholders on key drivers of smart farming technology adoption. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing organizational readiness and building trust in technology providers. Targeted extension and advisory interventions can support adoption across diverse farming categories.Theoretical implications:This research extends the TOE framework within the agricultural context, confirming the importance of technological and organizational factors. It provides empirical evidence on the comparatively moderate role of environmental factors. The use of PLS-SEM enhances methodological rigor for future empirical research.Originality/value:Using a stratified farmer sample, the study provides empirical evidence on smart farming adoption. It offers insights into the role of trust and organizational dynamics in adoption behavior. The research adds value by grounding theoretical models in real-world agricultural settings.
Purpose: This study examines learning processes within a reduced tillage project in Uruguay. We explored the interplay of instrumental, communicative, and emotional learning in a multi-stakeholder collaborative project and analyzed related action outcomes. Methodology: This research employed qualitative methods, combining semi-structured interviews and a nominal group technique workshop. We analyzed the data through the lens of transformative learning theory. Findings: Overall, the study found evidence of learning, reflection, and action among stakeholders, indicating a potential for transformative change. Stakeholders actively participated in learning about reduced tillage and reflected on participatory learning processes. Key enabling conditions include trust, inclusive dialogue, and on-farm demonstrations. Practical Implications: The results of this study provide insights on how processes of learning for transformative change unfold, as well as appropriate frameworks to shape participatory projects. Theoretical Implications: This study broadens the scope of transformative learning by examining its application in agricultural contexts, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of individual and collective learning processes toward transformations. Value: This study contributes to literature on the application of an expanded theory of transformative learning as a driver in fostering necessary transformative change, offering insights on the dynamics between unfolding learning processes, relationships, and actionable outcomes in sustainability-related transitions.
Purpose: Disclosing and reflecting actors' roles in transdisciplinary research (TDR) is essential to ensure transparency and well-orchestrated co-design processes. In the literature, the importance of a complex understanding of roles is claimed, and a lack of empirical studies is identified that include all actors' and complex role constellations. To fill these gaps, we analyse socially-constructed roles of scientists (incl. project employees) and farmers and their interactions in a transdisciplinary project with a landscape living lab approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: We endeavoured to use a qualitative-interpretive and quantitative approach while also incorporating our own observations and reflections. We applied a survey (n = 36) and analysed diverse qualitative material from the co-design process in the landscape living labs. Findings: Results show that farmers, scientists and other project members take many roles and are all engaged in manifold ways into the knowledge co-production. Each group has its own roles in its usual domain-the 'academia' realm for researchers and the 'practice field' realm for farmers. Furthermore, we examined the crucial roles and manifold activities of landscape coordinators, e.g. intermediaries, coordinators, practice experts and knowledge co-producers. Practical Implication: The study showed that a harmonized balance between 'role taking' and 'role making' is needed to encourage a fruitful transdisciplinary collaboration and transformative change. Theoretical Implications: We inductively conceptualised 'role-taking' and 'role-making' as ends of a continuum instead of fixed and identifiable categories. Originality/Value: The added value of this study is that it analyses the role constellations of diverse actor groups within one project. Moreover, it contributes to theory development by conceptualising 'role-taking' and 'role-making' as ends of a continuum instead of fixed and identifiable categories.
PurposeTo examine the factors and processes that sustain the efficacy of farmer groups as extension intermediaries for influencing collective innovation, and knowledge co-creation and exchange.Design/Methodology/ApproachData was collected from farmer interviews, focus groups, and the published digital documents of five farmer groups across SE Australia. A grounded theory mixed-methods approach was used for data collection and analysis, aided by Atlas software in constructing concepts and a concept map representing group processes.FindingsThe ability of groups to influence farm innovation, and farmer learning and knowledge co-creation, depends on the group efficacy. Group identity in advancing farmer interests and collective influence were the strongest contributors to group efficacy. Diagnostic criteria were developed by which to evaluate the efficacy of farmer groups.Practical implicationThe findings provide actionable insights for forming and enhancing farmer groups in similar socio-ecological contexts, enabling them to more effectively influence farmer learning and innovation.Theoretical implicationsTheories of complexity, optimal distinctiveness, and social interdependence are crucial to the efficacy of farmer groups for successful agricultural extension.OriginalityThis study identifies factors and processes that sustains group efficacy and influence in enhancing farmer learning and innovation.
PurposeTo explore comprehension of the farm-to-fork journey, and any related agricultural understanding, developed by 43 children aged 8-11 in four London primary schools following a week-long residential farm visit with the charity Farms for City Children (FFCC).MethodsRich picture focus groups were completed with children following their FFCC visit to identify knowledge gained on farm and understand their overall experience. Interviews with attending teachers provided contextual evidence and support.FindingsChildren were worried about the visit beforehand, suggesting limited initial understanding and confidence. The farm visit increased their understanding of the farm-to-fork journey and sense of agricultural connection, leading to post-visit behavioural changes.Practical implicationsThere should be increased focus and collaborative work on assisting the transition between school and residential farm visits to sustain the on-farm learning.Theoretical implicationsThis project provided initial indications that FFCC deliver the impact anticipated in their Theory of Change model, namely 'Enhanced understanding of the farm-to-fork journey.' Further research on how FFCC maximise impact is advised. There are wider educational implications around the potential impact of residential farm visits.OriginalityThis research offers an original insight into the importance of residential farm visits in developing children's understanding of the farm-to-fork journey.
PurposeIn transdisciplinary research (TDR) for agri-food innovation, collaboration with societal actors often centres around dialogical activities. We propose Cross-Activity-System Engagement (CASE) to enhance TDR practice, because it is important to co-create and apply experimental knowledge in the process of producing actionable knowledge. Objectives were to: (i) reflect on activities, methods and tools to operationalise CASE; and (ii) analyse how CASE facilitates transformative and expansive learning.MethodsUsing activity and learning theories, we developed a conceptual framework for CASE. We constructed analytical categories and conducted a qualitative reflective post hoc analysis of CASE in three TDR projects in Kenya and Argentina.FindingsIn the dialogue stage, CASE comprised activities that made use of artefacts to enhance practical on-site learning through knowledge integration. CASE, during the experimentation and application stages, expanded activities for experimentation, peer-to-peer learning and pilot-testing of innovations.Practical implicationsCASE enhances transformative and expansive learning. Participants identify and resolve contradictions and gain new insights into tensions, weaknesses or missing elements within their systems. By using activities, methods or tools from other activity systems innovation capacity is enhanced.Theoretical implicationsExpansive and transformative learning theories support the design and practice of TDR, as learning through CASE directly informs actions and thereby helps close the knowledge-action gap.Originality/ValueCASE is a new conceptual and methodological attempt to cross boundaries for enhanced learning and innovation in development-oriented research and advisory practice. Findings directly inform TDR design and practice. The discussion addresses potential values of CASE for agricultural advisory services.
PurposeWorking with livestock farmers in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, we explored how extension can better support actor-oriented, collaborative learning. We focused on locally-led adaptation solutions already working for livestock farmers affected by climate change, using positive deviance (PD). Our main research question was whether PD theory can be adapted to identify positive deviants whose uncommon solutions are a response to climate change.Design/Methodology/ApproachUsing qualitative research methods, we identified PD livestock farmers who were more successful in adapting to climate change and securing their livelihoods. From an initial sample of 112 local innovators, we selected 27 positive deviants across the three countries.FindingsThe PD approach effectively identified farmers with high potential for scaling locally-led adaptation practices and farmer-led innovations. However, we observed that climate change is not always the primary concern for these farmers, as other factors can sometimes take precedence.Practical ImplicationsOur locally-led adaptation focused approach to PD has strong potential to support research, farmers, and extension services in building climate resilience in East African livestock farming.Originality/ValuePositive Deviants succeed not just because of external project support but due to their own ingenuity and drive for change. Their ability to innovate - shaped by life histories and unique experiences - offers valuable learning opportunities for others in similar situations. A holistic AR4D approach is needed to better reflect the realities of East African farmers and promote adaptive, collaborative learning.
