Agronomist–farmer knowledge encounters: an analysis of knowledge exchange in the context of best management practices in England

Ingram, Julie ORCID: 0000-0003-0712-4789 (2008) Agronomist–farmer knowledge encounters: an analysis of knowledge exchange in the context of best management practices in England. Agriculture and Human Values, 25 (3). pp. 405-418. doi:10.1007/s10460-008-9134-0

[img]
Preview
Text
Agronomist-farmer knowledge encounters.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (464kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper explores how knowledge is exchanged between agricultural advisors and farmers in the context of sustainable farming practices in England. Specifically the paper examines the nature of the knowledge exchange at the encounters between one group of advisors, agronomists, and farmers. The promotion of best management practices, which are central to the implementation of sustainable agricultural policies in England, provide the empirical context for this study. The paper uses the notion of expert and facilitative approaches as a conceptual framework for analyzing knowledge exchange encounters between agronomists and farmers. Data were derived from semi-structured interviews with 31 agronomists and 17 farmers, in the context of three initiatives promoting a range of best management practices including (a) targeted use of nitrogen (N), (b) use of nutrients within manure, and (c) management practices to improve soil structure. The interviews revealed that, although many agronomist-farmer knowledge exchange encounters are characterized by an imbalance of power, distrust, and the divergence of knowledge, other encounters provide a platform for the facilitation of farmer learning in their transition to more sustainable practices.

Item Type: Article
Article Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: REF2014 Submission. Author Keywords: advisor; agronomist; best management practices; England; extension; facilitation; farmer; knowledge exchange; sustainable agriculture KeyWords Plus:SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; ADVISORY SERVICES; CONSERVATION; COMMUNICATION; EXTENSION; POLLUTION; POWER; GRASS
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions: Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute
Research Priority Areas: Place, Environment and Community
Depositing User: Anne Pengelly
Date Deposited: 03 Apr 2014 08:09
Last Modified: 03 Feb 2022 18:00
URI: https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/420

University Staff: Request a correction | Repository Editors: Update this record

University Of Gloucestershire

Bookmark and Share

Find Us On Social Media:

Social Media Icons Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube Pinterest Linkedin

Other University Web Sites

University of Gloucestershire, The Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2RH. Telephone +44 (0)844 8010001.