Extending technologies among small-scale farmers in Meru,Kenya: Ingredients for success in farmer groups |
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| Authors: | Kristin Davis Steven Franzel Peter Hildebrand Tracy Irani Nick Place |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Agricultural Education and Communication , University of Florida , 310 Rolfs Hall, Box 110540, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0540, USA Phone: (352) 392-0502 Fax: (352) 392-0502 E-mail: mkulima@ufl.edu;2. World Agroforestry Centre , United Nations Ave. P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: (650) 833-6645 Fax: (650) 833-6645 E-mail: s.franzel@cgiar.org;3. Department of Food and Resource Economics , University of Florida , Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA Phone: 352-392-1854, ext. 436 E-mail: peh@mail.ifas.ufl.edu;4. Department of Agricultural Education and Communication , University of Florida , 219 Rolfs Hall, Box 110540, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0540, USA Phone: 352-392-0502, ext. 225 Fax: 352-392-0502, ext. 225 E-mail: tai@mail.ifas.ufl.edu;5. Department of Agricultural Education and Communication , University of Florida , 219 Rolfs Hall, Box 110540, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0540, USA Phone: 352-392-0502, ext. 227 Fax: 352-392-0502, ext. 227 E-mail: nplace@mail.ifas.ufl.edu |
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| Abstract: | Agricultural extension is evolving worldwide, and there is much emphasis today on community-based mechanisms of dissemination in order to bring sustainable change. The goal of this study was to examine the factors that make farmer groups successful in dissemination of information and technologies. A mixed-methods, multiple-stage approach was used to obtain data, using participant observation, documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, social mapping, and structured questionnaires. Dairy-goat farmer groups (n = 46) and individual farmers (n = 88) were interviewed. Factors that were associated with group success in dissemination included member participation, degree of jealousy within the group, homogeneity of members, group capacity, number of linkages and type of group (project-supported versus non-supported). Some interventions that may increase the success of groups in dissemination include capacity-building, increasing linkages with other extension stakeholders, providing an enabling environment for groups to form, using established groups (as compared to forming new groups), and encouraging groups to form around common interests rather than for other reasons. |
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