Sara Burbi

Achieving successful farmer engagement on greenhouse gas emission mitigation

This paper explores the potential for farmers’ engagement on the issues related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation in extensive low-input livestock farming systems. The framework used was based on Participatory Action Research. This involved integrating quantitative evidence on GHG emission impacts at the farm level and qualitative data on the obstacles to the adoption of innovation based on farmers’ perceptions and attitudes to climate change. The study aims at building social capital among 14 farmers in the South West and West Midlands regions in England, and it evaluates the potential for the adoption of emission mitigation strategies. The Rapid Farm Practices Appraisal (RFPA) tool was created to assess farm practices based on their mitigation potential. Practices were assessed twice over 6–9 months. Semi-structured interviews were used to assess barriers and opportunities to farmer engagement and on-farm innovation. Farmers were invited to a focus group meeting to network with other farmers and engage with researchers. All farmers participated in the 2 farm assessments, but only half the farmers adopted changes in farm management. All farmers appreciated the RFPA tool, the clearness of the information provided and the focus of the tool on practices directly. The main obstacles to innovation were limited financial capital, lack of trust in government action and confusion over the effectiveness of farm advice on mitigation. The lack of long-term flexibility of agricultural policies and the source of information greatly influenced the acceptance of advice. Results suggest the potential for the expansion of the RFPA tool to include economic assessment of farm practices and the engagement of a larger pool of farmers and farming systems. The tool could be used to support the GHG Action Plan and future environmental policies, and as an integrated self-assessment tool for farmers under Environmental Stewardship Schemes.

The role of Internet and social media in the diffusion of knowledge and innovation among farmers

The impact of the use of information technology (IT) has been gaining relevance recently in the way it can facilitate communication in the agricultural sector. Farmers can share innovations and knowledge alongside solving problems through social media, or other uses of the Internet. Farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing is an important source of information, but potential obstacles to effective communication can include distance and the amount of time farmers can invest in knowledge sharing activities. The Internet has therefore become an effective way to overcome those obstacles. The internet allows farmers to share their experiences, which traditionally would have been over a farm-gate, via YouTube, web forums and online groups. There are Twitter feeds that farmers can go to, ask questions, or share experiences. Whilst some conventional farmers are also using these tools, they have become a lifeline for farmers hoping to or currently farming more sustainably. These farmers are likely to be disparate throughout the UK, may no longer share with their neighbours, but instead rely on social media for advice and mentoring. Key annual farming events are broadcasted live via Twitter. Farmers and other participants are encouraged to share highlights of the conference sessions, their comments on the speakers and event itself, allowing others unable to attend to receive information from the event. Internet and social media have a growing role in the diffusion of knowledge and innovation within the agricultural sector, allowing a greater number of farmers, researchers and practitioner to share information and experiment so as to facilitate innovative farming practices.