Kumala (sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas) is a food crop in the traditional food system of Vanuatu. It contributes to sustainable livelihoods and food security for many smallholder farmers. How kumala is grown and how it enhances livelihoods on Tanna Island is the case study reported in this paper. This study was completed using a qualitative case study research design based on data collected through incorporating an indigenous method ( storian ) and semi- structured interviews. Kumala is regarded as a food security crop because it is drought tolerant, has a short growing cycle, will grow in a variety of situations, is preferred as a food crop, and its use is not influenced by cultural obligations like the traditional crops of taro and yams. Kumala's uptake as a food crop is informed by traditional knowledge of crop growing and uses, along with contemporary knowledge embedded in plant material that is collectively supported by agriculture extension services. Traditional social networks facilitate the exchange of kumala and its role in contributing to food security.
In the southern regions of New South Wales (NSW), Australia there is increasing interest in sub-tropical grasses in response to increased summer rainfall and declining temperate grass productivity. Producers across inland NSW were surveyed about their interest in and experience with growing these grasses. We found significant positive relationships between intention to sow new areas to sub-tropical grasses and a high level of awareness; possessing a sound knowledge of sub-tropical and general agronomy; highly rating their benefits; possessing a business focus; and concern about reduced temperate pasture persistence. While one-third of interested producers indicated their intention to sow sub-tropical grasses, most reported insufficient knowledge to 'successfully' establish these grasses. Around half of experienced producers reported insufficient knowledge to 'best' manage these grasses once established. We discuss the implications of these findings for extension planning around sub-tropical grasses, highlighting the need to meet the specific knowledge requirements based on producer experience.
Community Health Workers (CHWs), known as Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the Philippines, are essential in connecting remote communities with healthcare services, yet they face challenges such as limited training and resources. This study developed and evaluated a comprehensive training program to enhance BHW capabilities in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Using a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-post-test design with qualitative validation, BHWs were recruited through purposive sampling. A needs assessment informed the program, and pre- and post-training assessments measured changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Results showed significant improvements, highlighting the value of ongoing training in boosting BHWs' effectiveness in community health. This program offers a model for strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
The New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC) initiated the Future Farm Systems Research Programme to explore transformative system changes that could support the agricultural sector to achieve the Government's 2050 climate targets. The study focused on case studies in Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Murihiku Southland, gathering input from experts, stakeholders and local representatives through workshops in 2024. Scenarios were developed from participant input, allowing for the exploration of potential differences both between and within regions. Scenario analysis explored value chain impacts and identified regional pathways to low emissions futures, which include reducing ruminant numbers, developing new supply chains and requiring significant capital investments. Results highlight that successful emissions reduction depends on aligning community aspirations with economic realities and infrastructure costs. Effective transitions necessitate strategic decision making and active community engagement, aiming to balance environmental, social and economic outcomes.
Agriculture and food processing are becoming increasingly knowledge intensive as imperatives to innovate in the face of climate, market and other changes accelerate. The Agri- food Knowledge Matrix attempts to 'make sense' of the vast, complex array of information and support available to North West Tasmanian agri-food producers that is difficult for producers to navigate as they attempt to respond to risks and opportunities. The matrix identifies knowledge holder organisations and enterprises, from local extension to online knowledge repositories, mapping them according to areas of food production practice (e.g., production, business, sustainability) and innovation/change process stages (awareness, decision making, implementation, monitoring and review) for agri-food business in various sectors. We explore where extension fits in our mapping of agri-food knowledges held and used in North West Tasmania and conclude extension has the potential to improve cross value chain collaboration to give producers access to knowledge and support needed for resilience.
