Agricultural extension and rural development

de R. L. Ison, David B. Russell

Part 1: Breaking out of traditions -- The research-development relationship in rural communities: an opportunity for contextual science -- The human quest for understanding and agreement -- Technology : transforming grazier experience -- Part 2: Historical patterns, technological lineages and the emergence of institutionalized research and development -- From theodolite to satellite : land, technology and power in the Western Division of NSW -- Experience, tradition and service? Institutionalized R&D in the rangelands -- Part 3: A design for a second-order research and development -- Enthusiasm : developing critical action for second-order R&D -- Co-researching : braiding theory and practice for research with people -- The graziers' story -- Part 4: Limitations and possibilities for research and development design -- Designing R&D systems for mutual benefit. While traditions are very important to a culture, there is a need to challenge, as well as to respect, those traditions that have given rise to a particular rural research and development system. The authors examine the broad themes of "knowledge transfer" and the organization and conduct of research and development, based particularly on the system operating in the rangelands of Australia. The need to adopt a novel approach arose because the existing practice of agricultural extension did not meet the needs of the farming community there, and the funding bodies were dissatisfied with the return on their investment. The way in which the relationship between the rural community and researchers might be differently, and perhaps more fruitfully, managed are discussed. The issues addressed have relevance in a wider context and, as a result, this book will be of importance to any professional involved in agricultural management and policy making.