TransFormers in knowledge production: building science–practice collaborations

This article places action learning in the context of system innovation, as it studies the potential use of action learning for system change. In order to effect such system change, collaboration between actors from different institutional backgrounds is essential. To gain insight into if and how action learning can be applied for system change, we study three system change projects in Dutch agriculture. We focus specifically on the approaches developed by the project leaders for collaboration between the scientists and the entrepreneurs and analyse how the interaction between these two contributed to the learning process within the project. This article concludes with guiding concepts for action learning for system change in the field of sustainable development of agriculture and beyond.     

Agriculture and HIV/AIDS: A Challenge for Integrated and Interactive Approaches

Abstract

One of the main problems in Southern Africa in relation to HIV/AIDS is food insecurity. The vicious relation between malnutrition, HIV infection and AIDS impact drives individuals, households and communities in a downwards spiral of impoverishment. Although scientists and development practitioners have stressed the importance of interactive approaches to mitigate the impact of AIDS on agriculture and rural development, sustainable implementation is far from easy and straightforward. This study aims to gain insight into the main lessons and challenges with respect to their design and implementation. Literature review of interactive approaches in agriculture and natural resource management shows that several principles and process guidelines are considered key factors to successful implementation. Although HIV/AIDS does not seem to change these conditions, personal experiences from researchers, development practitioners and extension workers do reveal new and unforeseen challenges.