Murari Suvedi

Farmers' definitions, goals, and bottlenecks of sustainable agriculture in the North-Central Region

Since its inception in 1988, the SAREprogram has sponsored hundreds of projects to exploreand apply economically viable, environmentally sound,and socially acceptable farming systems. Recognizingthat researchers often collaborated with producers andthat producer interest in sustainable agriculture wasincreasing, SAREs North-Central Region began directlyfunding farmers and ranchers in 1992 to test their ownideas on sustainable agriculture. The present articleis based on data from the formative evaluation of thefirst five years (1992 to 1996) of the NCR-SAREProducer Grant Program. The evaluation used acombination of mail surveys, non-response telephoneinterviews, and personal interviews.The evaluation revealed that the Program hassucceeded in showing that sustainable agriculturaltechnologies and practices can be viable andprofitable alternatives to conventional ways ofproducing crops and animals while simultaneously beingless environmentally damaging. On the other hand, thecontributions of the Producer Grant Program to thesocial and institutional spheres in which agricultureis embedded are less clear. Changes in these spheresare imperative for the success of sustainableagriculture, and for it to become more mainstream.Such changes cannot occur overnight, but they willremain the main challenge for SARE to tackle in thenear future.

Trends in Michigan Farmers' Information Seeking Behaviors and Perspectives on the Delivery of Information.

A sample of Michigan farmers was surveyed in 1996 and 1999 to examine trends in their information-seeking behaviors and preferred methods of information delivery. In addition, the relationship between demographic characteristics and types of information sources used were examined. Some key findings for both years include: (a) The vast majority of farmers do not use web-based information; (b) income and farm size was positively correlated with all types of information delivery (print, web-based, radio/TV, organizational events and personal sources); and (c) part-time farmers and those with outside employment tended to use fewer information sources than full-time farmers. Suggestions are offered to help educators make better choices in campaign and message delivery. Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License. This research is available in Journal of Applied Communications: https://newprairiepress.org/jac/vol83/iss3/3 Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 83, No. 3, 1999 / 33 Trends in Michigan Farmers’ Information Seeking Behaviors and Perspectives on the Delivery of Information Murari Suvedi Shelly Campo Maria Knight Lapinski Abstract A sample of Michigan farmers was surveyed in 1996 and 1999 to examine trends in their information-seeking behaviors and preferred methods of information delivery. In addition, the relationship between demographic characteristics and types of information sources used were examined. Some key findings for both years include: (a) The vast majority of farmers do not use web-based information; (b) income and farm size was positively correlated with all types of information delivery (print, web-based, radio/TV, organizational events and personal sources); and (c) part-time farmers and those with outside employment tended to use fewer information sources than full-time farmers. Suggestions are offered to help educators make better choices in campaign and message delivery. Outreach education has long been a part of the mission of land-A sample of Michigan farmers was surveyed in 1996 and 1999 to examine trends in their information-seeking behaviors and preferred methods of information delivery. In addition, the relationship between demographic characteristics and types of information sources used were examined. Some key findings for both years include: (a) The vast majority of farmers do not use web-based information; (b) income and farm size was positively correlated with all types of information delivery (print, web-based, radio/TV, organizational events and personal sources); and (c) part-time farmers and those with outside employment tended to use fewer information sources than full-time farmers. Suggestions are offered to help educators make better choices in campaign and message delivery. Outreach education has long been a part of the mission of landMurari Suvedi is an associate professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Education and Communication Systems at Michigan State University, and an ACE member. Maria Knight Lapinski is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. Shelly Campo is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Cornell University. This study was funded by Michigan State University Extension. 1 Suvedi et al.: Trends in Michigan Farmers’ Information Seeking Behaviors and Per Published by New Prairie Press, 2017 34 / Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 83, No. 3, 1999 grant universities. It rests on the principle that one function of a landgrant university is to contribute to the well-being of the community in which it is located, through the practical application of research to community needs (Leholm, Hamm, Suvedi, Gray & Poston, 1999). In order to facilitate this goal, Extension organizations act as information clearinghouses, taking the findings from internally-conducted research and translating them into a format appropriate for the public at large, typically in the form of educational seminars or informational materials. These messages are often directed at agricultural producers and designed to inform these producers on issues such as increasing productivity, utilizing new technology, and improving sustainability. Upon its conception, the objective of the Cooperative Extension Service was to aid in diffusing useful and practical information on subjects relating to agriculture and home economics and encouraging their application (Simons, 1962). In order to serve the changing information needs of extension customers, extension services all over the country have been refocusing their efforts to provide better services to their audiences by identifying, clarifying and prioritizing the issues affecting people, agriculture, natural resources, businesses, communities, organizations and governments (Suvedi, 1996). Efforts also have been made to design and to conduct educational programs and provide technical assistance focusing directly on these issues (Michigan State University Extension, 1993). The importance to extension programs of effective delivery methods also has been suggested (Israel, 1991). Extension needs to consider the information-seeking behaviors of agricultural producers. Johnson (1996) defines information seeking as the “purposive acquisition of information from selected information carriers” (p. 9). Determining farmers’ preferences for delivery methods is an important precursor to ensuring that they receive the information they need. Auburn and Baker (1992) note that many have criticized land-grant institutions and extension for not being primarily focused on farmers and farmers’ needs. Trede and Whitaker (1998) examined Iowa beginning farmers’ perceptions toward the delivery of information. They found that beginning farmers were neutral about cutting-edge technology, and instead preferred one-to-one, on-site educational meetings, and interpersonal contacts such as family for 2 Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 83, Iss. 3 [1999], Art. 3 https://newprairiepress.org/jac/vol83/iss3/3 DOI: 10.4148/1051-0834.2143 Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 83, No. 3, 1999 / 35 information. When media are used, farmers preferred radio, data transmission network (DTN), marketing services, newspapers and television. Similarly, Tavernier, Adelaja, Hartley, and Schilling (1996) found that farmers prefer direct communication with Extension agents and other educators to other methods of delivery such as print and broadcast media and computer-based information. Other studies have found that media preferences dominate other delivery methods. Schnitkey, Batte, Jones and Botomogno (1992)had farmers rate methods of delivery. Radio broadcasts, general farm magazines, and commercial newsletters were the top three sources out of 22 possible options. Extension agents were ranked tenth and computerized information was fourteenth. Some studies have found that farmers prefer multiple methods of delivery. Caldwell and Richardson (1995) found that nontraditional farmers in North Carolina preferred a combination of delivery methods to a single method of delivery. Previous studies have suggested that farmers’ preferences for delivery methods depend on various demographic characteristics such as age, income, formal level of education, and farm size. The trend in education delivery has been to offer information through new technologies such as web-based information sources. Although farmers may adopt computers for business management capabilities, many farmers have been slow to adopt these new technologies to obtain educational information (Iddings & Apps, 1992) due to variables such as income, limited time, education and access (Tavenier et al., 1996). Amponsah (1995), for example, found a low rate of computer adoption by farmers that was based in part on income. Farm size and income are positively related to computer adoption. In addition, the United States Department of Commerce (1999) recently reported that minorities in general, regardless of income, are less likely to own computers or to use the Internet. Purpose and Objectives Prior research on agricultural producers’ preferences for information delivery has not considered longitudinal trends. Given the increase in the availability of channels for information delivery, there is reason to believe that these preferences are changing over time. Thus, a longitudinal study was conducted to find out how agricultural producers access Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) information and farm-related 3 Suvedi et al.: Trends in Michigan Farmers’ Information Seeking Behaviors and Per Published by New Prairie Press, 2017 36 / Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 83, No. 3, 1999 information. The longitudinal nature of the data allows for the assessment of change in information-seeking patterns over time. Specific objectives of this study were: 1. To determine the types of Extension education programs used by the Michigan agricultural community, 2. to examine important sources of information used by Michigan farmers, and 3. to determine the relationships between information sources used by farmers and their demographic characteristics. Methods and Procedures A survey was distributed to a random sample of agricultural producers, stratified by commodity type. The mailing list of the Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service (MASS) served as the sampling frame. Data were collected at two points in time in order to assess trends in information-seeking behaviors. In 1996, this sample consisted of 1,534 farmers and agribusiness operators; and in 1999, the sample consisted of 1,569 members of the same population. A mail survey was chosen for data collection because of its low cost and advantageous uniform access to dispersed populations without interviewer bias (Salant & Dillman, 1994). A survey, which included both open and closed ended questions, was developed, valid

Michigan citizens' knowledge and perceptions about groundwater

Abstract Knowledge and perceptions of Michigan residents about groundwater were assessed so that a comprehensive educational program could be developed and baseline information established to document the programs impact over time. Data were collected from 663 residents in urban, rural, and farm households. Results indicated that knowledge about groundwater was moderate and that a statewide educational campaign on facts about groundwater was necessary. People perceived that land use practices affected groundwater quality at the national, state, and county levels but not at their household level. Significant differences were found among urban, rural, and farm residents and between farmers and nonfarmers in their perceptions of the effects of land use on groundwater quality.

Farmers’ participation in extension programs and technology adoption in rural Nepal: a logistic regression analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper examines the factors affecting farmers’ participation in extension programs and adoption of improved seed varieties in the hills of rural Nepal. Methodology/approach: Cross-sectional farm-level data were collected during July and August 2014. A sample of 198 farm households was selected for interviewing by using a multistage, random sampling technique. We employed a logistic regression model, frequency counts, and percentages to analyze the data. Findings: Adoption decisions were mainly affected by extension-related variables – training, membership in a farmers’ group, and off-farm employment. Extension participation was found to be influenced by socioeconomic variables – age, education, household size, and distance to the extension office. Our findings reveal that distance to the extension office and off-farm employment limited participation in extension activities and adoption, respectively, and education, household size, and group membership stimulated participation in extension programs. Practical implications: Recognition of the determinants of farmers’ participation in extension services and innovation adoption ensures that targeted extension approaches are used to address these factors in various stages of planning, delivering, and evaluating extension programs. Theoretical implications: Innovation adoption follows a systematic decision-making process. Although personal characteristics are important, widespread use of new technology requires a conducive social and institutional context. Because contexts vary by country or region, extension services providers should create institutions favorable for innovation adoption within a social system. Originality/value: This research is original and highly valuable to identify the factors associated with extension participation and innovation adoption in the rural hilly region of Nepal. This also provides a new direction to operationalize farmer-oriented policies of agricultural extension and so can be helpful for agricultural policy-makers in devising programs of extension services.

Evaluation of a Distance Education Radio Farm School Programme in India: Implications for Scaling up

Distance education radio programmes on poultry farming with registered participants were organized using the local language in an effort to link researchers to rural poultry farmers through radio broadcasts. This study, based on data from 74 participants and 60 non-participants, assesses the impact of the radio farm school on participants using Bennetts hierarchy. Information gathered from the participants included the inputs used, the production activities carried out, the outputs obtained and the reactions of the participants with respect to listening behaviour, opinions, knowledge, attitudes, adoption changes and SWOT parameters. Overall, the evaluation found that the farm school on radio with registered participants had a major impact on developing awareness, knowledge and changes in attitude and in involving end-users in outreach activities. The related implications for scaling up and harnessing the medium of radio to disseminate outreach information are discussed.

Exploring the Baseline: What Michigan Residents Know About Michigan State University Extension

Michigan’s Cooperative Extension Service, now called Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, has a long history of serving the state’s residents, especially in agricultural and rural program areas. Today’s Extension works to “help people help themselves” through programs aimed at meeting the needs of urban, suburban, and rural residents. But what do the state’s residents know about the programs offered through this organization? This paper looks at awareness surveys related to Cooperative Extension systems and examines the results of the MSU Extension Market Assessment Survey, a statewide telephone survey conducted by the MSU Institute for Public Policy and Social Research to explore what Michigan residents know about MSU Extension and its main programming areas. Responses were analyzed according to respondents’ ages, education levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, region of the state and type of community of residence. Analysis showed more than half of Michigan residents were aware of MSU Extension, with wider awareness among older, white and rural residents. However, awareness of MSU Extension programs did not follow this trend. This study will provide information for Extension administrators, educators, and communicators in planning future programming and marketing efforts. This professional development is available in Journal of Applied Communications: https://newprairiepress.org/jac/ vol89/iss1/3 Professional Development Journal of Applied Communications, Vol. 89, No. 1, 2005 / 35 JAC, Vol. 89, No. 1, 2005, 35-49, ©ACE Exploring the Baseline: What Michigan Residents Know About Michigan State University Extension Laura K. Probyn, Murari Suvedi, and Réne Pérez Rosenbaum

Michigan High School Science Teacher Perceptions Of Futures Magazine As A Pedagogical Resource And Career Exploration Tool

The primary objective of the study was to determine whether Futures, the quarterly magazine of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES), has helped high school science teachers gain a greater awareness and understanding of agricultural and natural resources research. Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License. This research is available in Journal of Applied Communications: https://newprairiepress.org/jac/vol75/iss1/5 Michigan High School Science Teacher Perceptions Of Futures Magazine As A Pedagogical Resource And career