Helen Hambly Odame
University of Guelph
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Publication
Featured researches published by Helen Hambly Odame.
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension | 2014
Ataharul Huq Chowdhury; Helen Hambly Odame; Cees Leeuwis
Abstract Purpose: The rapidly evolving nature of agricultural innovation processes in low-income countries requires agricultural extension agencies to transform the classical roles that previously supported linear information dissemination and adoption of innovation. In Bangladesh, strengthening agricultural innovation calls for facilitation of interactive communication and a wide range of mediation tasks within (and between) stakeholders operating in different social spheres. This paper examines how a public-sector agricultural extension agency has attempted to change its roles in implementing a major agricultural extension project in order to strengthen agricultural innovation. This role adjustment is a key outcome of an effectively functioning innovation system because it enables collective actions and enhances performance that meets the needs of clients. Methodology: The study uses a case study design that includes mixed methods data collection and analysis. Using interviews, group discussions, observations, and a semi-structured survey, data were collected from stakeholders of a major regional agricultural extension project in Bangladesh. Findings: The findings suggest that the agricultural extension agency missed the opportunity to deliver the agricultural extension project in such a way that it strengthens collective actions and functions that would respond to the needs of all clients within the system. This is due to institutions that create obstacles within the agricultural innovation system. These obstacles relate to the tendency to remain in a linear paradigm of technology transfer and dependency on public service, the under-estimation and depreciation of intermediary roles of extension personnel (e.g. brokering, negotiating, convening), and finally, an inability to foresee extension methods (e.g. training, demonstration) as the facilitation of interactive learning and knowledge embedding processes. Originality/ Practical Implications: This is the first case study from Bangladesh that provides insights into extant initiatives taken by a public-sector agricultural extension agency to put innovation system thinking into use. The paper discusses a number of lessons, which will be useful for evolving new forms of extension work and applying agricultural innovation systems thinking in low-income countries.
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability | 2015
Ataharul Huq Chowdhury; Helen Hambly Odame; Shirley Thompson; Michael Hauser
Despite the general success of farmer-capacity-building methods such as Farmer Field School in promoting pest management innovations, only those farmers directly involved benefit. How can agricultural extension enable farmer-to-farmer learning about botanical pesticides beyond such schools? We wanted to know how different learning methods, such as video shows and workshops, change farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices about botanical pesticides. This paper explains how video engages men and women farmers in spreading botanical pesticides across 12 villages in Bogra District, north-western Bangladesh. We conducted ex ante and ex post surveys among farmers from November 2009 to September 2010. For data analysis, we used t-test and McNemer and Wilcoxon sign rank tests. Our findings suggest that video improves the ability of both male and female farmers to communicate about pest management among themselves and with other stakeholders, as ‘intricate ethno-agricultural practices’. Video-mediated learning sessions are more effective than conventional workshop training in enhancing farmers’ knowledge about botanical pesticides, changing their attitude and finally taking a decision to adopt these methods. In other words, video is capable of communicating complex issues such as the biological and physical processes that underlie pest management innovations. From our case, we conclude that agricultural extension is more effective with the use of facilitated video learning and that this process clarifies complex agro-ecological principles, bias and normative perceptions of the learners. Also, video-mediated learning is not only transferable across villages, but also works well in combination with other media, such as radio, television and mobile phones.
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension | 2010
Ataharul Huq Chowdhury; Helen Hambly Odame; Michael Hauser
Abstract Recent experiences in participatory video-making raise the question of how best to use this medium for enhancing local seed innovation systems. Embedded in a mini-process of participatory action research, two styles of participatory video—scripted and scriptless—were tested and assessed together with farmers and facilitators in Bogra District, Bangladesh. Data, collected through participant observation, informal interviews, group discussions and workshops, were analysed using a combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Scripted video can be used as a capacity-building tool and for disseminating sustainable technologies or local knowledge across geographical scales. But there is a risk of goal orientation to produce quality films, which may undermine the spirit of participation and ownership of the process. In the scriptless style, the process seems to be more inclusive but random, and hence, less goal-oriented. Scriptless video can be used as a monitoring tool in local seed innovation systems. Moreover, potential for stimulating self-sustaining spirit within the participant actors appeared to be higher in this style. However, this style may be difficult to institutionalize. Because of the spontaneous and subjective nature of the process and outcome (i.e. the film) that underlies scriptless videos, participatory video may be produced in a specific geographical context and not necessarily be replicable or relevant elsewhere. This study raises several critiques about the usefulness of these two major styles of participatory video and argues that both styles have specific usefulness and therefore can be used in combination to enhance local seed innovation systems in Bangladesh, and possibly, elsewhere in South Asia.
Journal of Radio & Audio Media | 2013
Barry Rooke; Helen Hambly Odame
As the host of a radio show, a radio jock is often required or elects to post supplemental online writing or blogs as a way to bridge the gap between on-air personality and online interactive individual. However, to this date there is little or no research around the wants and motivations for an on-air personality to disclose information via an online blog. This article looks into the connection between digital biography of the modern-day radio jock as supplemental show information and personality development. Findings conclude that commercial radio hosts use blogs primarily for monetary gain which is different from their campus/community and public radio counterparts who blog in order to generate and engage with listeners. The article concludes with recommendations for radio stations and jocks on how best to implement blogs and match goals and motivations for their use.
Nordicom Review | 2012
Helen Hambly Odame; Natalie Oram
Abstract This article discusses experiences in teaching and learning communication processes oriented towards social change and development, specifically, using the approach known as community service learning (CSL). The relevance of CSL is that it mobilizes university students as communicators and seeks to develop global consciousness through transdisciplinary inquiry with local communities. Using the case of an undergraduate course at the University of Guelph (Canada) involving 33 CSL individual and team projects, this article reinforces the importance of experiential learning for teaching and learning communication process. In light of policy-level calls for the reform of higher education to meet social change and development needs, CSL provides an interesting opportunity, but it also encounters distinct challenges within our academic institutions and for those of us who teach and mentor university students.
PLOS ONE | 2018
Cordelie DuBois; Helen Hambly Odame; Derek B. Haley; Katrina Merkies
The diversity of sectors that comprise the equine industry makes reaching a consensus regarding welfare issues a challenge. To allow for productive discussion, equine professionals (n = 34) chosen to represent the diverse specializations from across Canada were surveyed using the Delphi technique—a survey technique employing multiple, iterative “rounds” to consolidate viewpoints—to gather and consolidate information regarding areas of welfare concern in the Canadian equine industry. Only participants who completed the prior round could participate in subsequent rounds. In the first round, respondents were asked to identify examples of welfare issues. Qualitative analysis was used to sort and group answers based on their similarities. Participants identified 12 welfare issues best addressed at the individual horse level, and an additional 12 welfare issues best addressed at the industry level. In the second (n = 24) and third (n = 14) rounds, welfare issues, solutions, and potential motives were consolidated based on order ranking. Themes of “ignorance” and “lack of knowledge” identified throughout all three rounds were cited as both potential risks to welfare as well as motives leading to poor welfare situations. Responses in this study suggest that in order to improve the welfare of equids in the Canadian industry, equine professionals propose that a greater effort is required to help educate industry members and stakeholders such that, through daily routine care and management, higher standards of welfare can be attained.
Knowledge Management for Development Journal | 2009
Laxmi Prasad Pant; Helen Hambly Odame
Archive | 2006
Laxmi Prasad Pant; Helen Hambly Odame
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta | 2008
Laxmi Prasad Pant; Helen Hambly Odame; Andrew Hall; Rasheed Sulaiman
Journal of Rural and Community Development | 2014
Ataharul Huq Chowdhury; Helen Hambly Odame