Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Breaking out of Knowledge Transfer Traditions

This 1999 book proposes an alternative approach to research and development, based on the needs of the farming community.

Ray Ison (Edited by), David Russell (Edited by)

9780521039413, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 August 2007

252 pages, 13 b/w illus. 14 tables
22.5 x 15.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.381 kg

"Those involved in agricultural research and extension will find the book both thought-provoking and, for some, controversial." Journal of Natural Resources Life Science Education

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. In this 1999 book 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.

List of contributors
About the authors
Acknowledgements
Part I. Breaking Out of Traditions: 1. The research-development relationship in rural communities: an opportunity for contextual science David B. Russell and Raymond L. Ison
2. The human quest for understanding and agreement Lloyd Fell and David B. Russell
3. Technology: transforming grazier experience Raymond L. Ison
Part II. Historical Patterns, Technological Lineages and the Emergence of Institutionalised Research and Development: 4. From theodolite to satellite: land, technology and power in the western division of NSW Adrian Mackenzie
5. Experience, tradition and service? Institutionalised R&D in the rangelands Raymond L. Ison
Part III. A Design for Second-Order Research and Development: 6. Enthusiasm: developing critical action for second-order R&D David B. Russell and Raymond L. Ison
7. Co-researching: braiding theory and practice for research with people Lynn Webber
8. The grazier's story Danielle Dignam and Philippa Major
Part IV. Limitations and Possibilities for Research and Development Design: 9. Designing R&D systems for mutual benefit David B. Russell and Raymond L. Ison
Appendix
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Agricultural science [TVB]