Fernando Pablo Landini

Evaluación de un proceso de capacitación para extensionistas rurales implementado en Paraguay

An innovative methodology in the Paraguayan context was implemented to train rural extensionists in the Department of CaazapAi. It aimed at the empowerment and the transformation of rural extension practices, looking for a more horizontal and participatory model of interaction. In order to reach these objectives, eight monthly training modules were implemented, in which reflexive processes about the problems faced by rural extensionists in their practice and spaces aimed at the construction of proposals to overcome them were implemented. In this article, the implementation, as well as the impact of the training process in the rural extensionists’ beliefs, are described and evaluated at a qualitative and a quantitative level. Evidence shows that the implemented methodology significantly transformed the way in which practitioners perceive their role in the context of extension work. Now, they conceive themselves as facilitators that have to work jointly with farmers, instead of those who have to bring them all the solutions.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the cricothyroid muscle in patients with suspected superior laryngeal nerve weakness.

In this retrospective case study, we report the apparent clinical effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in combination with voice therapy (VT) for rehabilitating dysphonia secondary to suspected superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) weakness in two female patients. Both patients failed or plateaued with traditional VT but had significant improvement with the addition of NMES of the cricothyroid muscle and SLN using a VitalStim unit. Stimulation was provided simultaneously with voice exercises based on musical phonatory tasks. Both acoustic analysis and endoscopic evaluation demonstrated important improvements after treatment. In the first patient, the major change was obtained within the primo passaggio region; specifically, a decrease in voice breaks was demonstrated. In the second patient, an improvement in voice quality (less breathiness) and vocal range were the most important findings. Additionally, each patient reported a significant improvement in their voice complaints. Neuromuscular laryngeal electrical stimulation in combination with vocal exercises might be a useful tool to improve voice quality in patients with SLN injury.

Socio-demographic profile of different samples of Latin American rural extensionists.

In order to design and implement public policies in the context of rural development, information tends to be gathered about family farming in different Latin American countries. In contrast, scarce attention has been given to the description of rural extensionists, who are the ones supporting family farming in the field. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted between 2010 and 2012 including surveys to rural extensions working in 10 different Latin American countries, this allowing for a preliminary description of the socio-demographic profile of the respondents. The samples were incidental ranging from 19 (Bolivia) to 220 (Argentina) subjects, this implying that they were not representative. Significant statistical differences were found with regards to the sex, age, experience, level of education and university degree of the samples pertaining to the different countries. In average, most extensionists are men (70.1%), age 40.3 and have little more than 11 years of experience as extensionists. Brazilian practitioners surveyed are the oldest, most educated and experienced among the different samples. In general, most extensionists have a technical background and are agricultural engineers. The Uruguayan sample showed the highest percentage of extensionists coming from the area of social sciences.

Unfolding the knowledge and power dynamics of the ‘farmers–rural extensionists’ interface in North-Eastern Argentina

ABSTRACT Purpose: In this paper, the knowledge dynamics of the farmer–rural extensionist’ interface were explored from extensionists’ perspective with the aim of understanding the matchmaking processes between supply and demand of extension services at the micro-level. Design/methodology/approach: Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with extensionists whom work in the North-Eastern, Argentine provinces. Findings: Two different, general types of knowledge dynamics were identified: one moderately diffusionist, based on a hierarchical relationship and the prioritisation of experts’ knowledge, and the other constructivist, based on horizontal processes of co-construction. Interestingly, some extensionists support beliefs pertaining to both approaches. They also highlight the importance of unceremonious trainings, interpersonal trust and making recommendations that take into account farmers’ rationale. Practical implications: Results show the persistence of diffusionist rural extension and that extensionists have different, even contradictory, extension approaches, which renders inappropriate any attempt to generalise their perspectives. Theoretical implications: This study suggests that farmers’ demand is the result of a constructive, interactive process, and thus is not prior to the interaction between the demand side (farmers) and the supply side (extensionists). Consequently, the knowledge and power dynamics that take place within the farmer–extensionist interface should be considered the nucleus of demand construction and the matchmaking process. Originality/value: This paper addresses the dynamic matchmaking process between supply and demand of extension services at the micro-level, suggesting it is a constructive process and showing the core role played by power dynamics.

Expectativas de los extensionistas rurales latinoamericanos y contribuciones psicosociales

Striving to identify rural extensionists’ expectations of psychology, and to clarify its contributions to rural extension, a research was conducted, in which 654 rural extensionists from 12 Latin American countries were surveyed. The content analysis of the open questions allowed identifying as core expectations the management of group participatory processes; and the training and advice of practitioners. Taking into account that many surveys treat farmers as objects of intervention and not as subjects of change, the potentiality of psychology to generate reflective processes on practice and on the assumptions guiding it, is highlighted.

LATIN AMERICAN RURAL EXTENSIONISTS' EXPECTATIONS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Striving to identify rural extensionists’ expectations of psychology, and to clarify its contributions to rural extension, a research was conducted, in which 654 rural extensionists from 12 Latin American countries were surveyed. The content analysis of the open questions allowed identifying as core expectations the management of group participatory processes; and the training and advice of practitioners. Taking into account that many surveys treat farmers as objects of intervention and not as subjects of change, the potentiality of psychology to generate reflective processes on practice and on the assumptions guiding it, is highlighted.

EXPECTATIVAS DE EXTENSIONISTAS RURAIS LATINOAMERICANOS E CONTRIBUIÇÕES PSICOSSOCIAIS

Striving to identify rural extensionists’ expectations of psychology, and to clarify its contributions to rural extension, a research was conducted, in which 654 rural extensionists from 12 Latin American countries were surveyed. The content analysis of the open questions allowed identifying as core expectations the management of group participatory processes; and the training and advice of practitioners. Taking into account that many surveys treat farmers as objects of intervention and not as subjects of change, the potentiality of psychology to generate reflective processes on practice and on the assumptions guiding it, is highlighted.

Apropiación y uso de salas de elaboración por parte de agricultores familiares de la Provincia de Misiones, Argentina

Fil: Mathot y Rebole, Maria Ines. Universidad de la Cuenca del Plata. Secretaria de Politicas del Conocimiento. Instituto de Investigaciones Cientificas (sede Posadas); Argentina

Welfarism and seeking for social assistance as a survival strategy in peasant contexts characterized by political clientelism

Usualmente, los estudios sobre clientelismo tienden a generar una interpretacion externa del fenomeno y a dejar fuera del analisis los procesos culturales y psicosociales de caracter comunitario en que se apoyan estas practicas. Por esta razon, se realizo un estudio de caso en una localidad campesina de la provincia de Formosa, Argentina, con el fin abordar la dimension subjetiva del clientelismo y la busqueda de asistencia personalizada como estrategia de supervivencia. Se concluye que las relaciones de reciprocidad entre campesinos y actores pudientes como politicos y patrones constituyen un elemento propio de la cultura campesina. No obstante, se aclara que esta practica es mucho mas amplia y no siempre se articula en terminos de clientelismo politico. Finalmente, se afirma que si bien el clientelismo muchas veces puede explicarse a partir de relaciones de poder, en otros casos el sentimiento de gratitud entre campesinos y patrones constituye el aspecto mas destacado.Usually, the investigations on political clientelism tend to adopt and external point of view of the phenomenon which do not take into account the cultural and psychosocial processes that support these practices. Thus, I performed a case study in a peasant community located in the province of Formosa, Argentina, aiming to approach both, the subjective dimension of clientelism and the seeking of social assistance as a survival strategy. I conclude that the existence of relations of reciprocity between wealthy actors such as politicians and landlords, and small farmers, is characteristic of the peasant culture. Nonetheless, despite the fact it is clear that these practices are related to clientelism, they are not the same. Finally, I argue that while political clientelism sometimes can be explained focusing on relations of power, in other cases the feeling of gratitude between peasants and landlords is the most important aspect.

Asistencialismo y búsqueda de ayudas como estrategia de supervivencia en contextos campesinos clientelares

Usualmente, los estudios sobre clientelismo tienden a generar una interpretacion externa del fenomeno y a dejar fuera del analisis los procesos culturales y psicosociales de caracter comunitario en que se apoyan estas practicas. Por esta razon, se realizo un estudio de caso en una localidad campesina de la provincia de Formosa, Argentina, con el fin abordar la dimension subjetiva del clientelismo y la busqueda de asistencia personalizada como estrategia de supervivencia. Se concluye que las relaciones de reciprocidad entre campesinos y actores pudientes como politicos y patrones constituyen un elemento propio de la cultura campesina. No obstante, se aclara que esta practica es mucho mas amplia y no siempre se articula en terminos de clientelismo politico. Finalmente, se afirma que si bien el clientelismo muchas veces puede explicarse a partir de relaciones de poder, en otros casos el sentimiento de gratitud entre campesinos y patrones constituye el aspecto mas destacado.Usually, the investigations on political clientelism tend to adopt and external point of view of the phenomenon which do not take into account the cultural and psychosocial processes that support these practices. Thus, I performed a case study in a peasant community located in the province of Formosa, Argentina, aiming to approach both, the subjective dimension of clientelism and the seeking of social assistance as a survival strategy. I conclude that the existence of relations of reciprocity between wealthy actors such as politicians and landlords, and small farmers, is characteristic of the peasant culture. Nonetheless, despite the fact it is clear that these practices are related to clientelism, they are not the same. Finally, I argue that while political clientelism sometimes can be explained focusing on relations of power, in other cases the feeling of gratitude between peasants and landlords is the most important aspect.