Agricultural Extension and Rural Development: Breaking out of Knowledge Transfer Traditions

by Edited by Ray Ison , David Russell

• ISBN13: 9780521039413
• ISBN10: 052103941X
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-08-20
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

While traditions are very important to a culture, there is a need to challenge, as well as to respect, those traditions which have given rise to a particular rural research and development situation. The authors critically examine the broad themes of 'knowledge transfer' and the organization and conduct of research and development, based particularly on the system operating in the rangelands of Australia. The need to adopt an alternative approach arose because the existing practice of agricultural extension did not meet the needs of the farming community there, and the research funding bodies were dissatisfied with the return on their investments. The way in which the relationships between the rural community and researchers might be differently, and perhaps more fruitfully, managed are discussed.

Table of Contents

List of contributors

About the authors

Acknowledgements

Breaking Out of Traditions

The research-development relationship in rural communities: an opportunity for contextual science

The human quest for understanding and agreement

Technology: transforming grazier experience

Historical Patterns, Technological Lineages and the Emergence of Institutionalised Research and Development

From theodolite to satellite: land, technology and power in the western division of NSW

Experience, tradition and service? Institutionalised R&D in the rangelands

A Design for Second-Order Research and Development

Enthusiasm: developing critical action for second-order R&D

Co-researching: braiding theory and practice for research with people

The grazier's story

Limitations and Possibilities for Research and Development Design

Designing R&D systems for mutual benefit

Appendix

Glossary

Index

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