Revisiting the relevance of listening groups in knowledge sharing and learning on rice production technologies
2016
Pasiona, S.P. | Nidoy, M.G.M. | Manalo, J.A. IV
While there are already plenty of mechanisms on disseminating agricultural information, particularly on rice, the challenge remains no single mechanism seems to capture it all. This study seeks to explore the relevance of listening groups, which was popular in Canada in 1940s. We are revisiting this approach in the light of issues relating to expert availability in highly group-intensive methods of engaging farmers such as Farmers Field School. Likewise, another important aim is to see how this approach can be exploited to invite discussions among farmers, and thereby improving the learning climate in their respective areas. The authors have done some modifications with the original listening group methodology. Among them is that the material is not broadcasted. The authors brought an audio file from the PinoyRice, an information portal on rice, and have 62 farmers listen to it across three research sites. Pre- and post-test are being administered followed by a focus group discussion with five farmers in each site. This study is ongoing, and thus far, data collection was done in Central Luzon, Ilocos Norte, and Agusan Del Sur [Philippines]. Initial findings present a high-perceived usefulness of the listening group approach that could aid the farmers' knowledge learning and sharing activities. Among the topics of audio files that interest them are seed and variety selection (95%), climate change adaptation (90%), nutrient and pest management (85%), land preparation (81%), and crop establishment (76%).
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