1. Effective agricultural development requires farmer participation at multiple levels, from providing data to designing research. 2. There are three essential elements for farmer participation: a group that can be identified and engaged; a problem the group wants to solve collectively; and a group willing to invest time and money in finding solutions. 3. Participation exists on a spectrum from passive involvement like being informed, to active roles in planning, implementation, and research. The level of participation should match the local context.

1. PARTICIPATION – many dimensions and all
essential for planning
Fayoum, Egypt

2. Sharing
Onion Harvest Fayoum, Egypt 2004

3. Talking with family, friends, neighbours

4. These hands that translate practice into knowledge

5. If you want to change or develop
agriculture, you need farmers. And if
you want farmers, you need three
things:
1. A group of possible farmers you can identify
and reach.
2. A group of farmers with a problem they want
to solve using a shared solution.
3. A group of farmers with the desire and ability
to spend time & money to solve that problem.

6. Type of extension approach
Optional
Collective (eg regional planning)
Authority (eg biosecurity)
National Regional Farmer
Optional
Collective
Authority

7. Dimensions of participation
Providing data the participants are observers
and informants
Interpreting data the participants are interpreters
Planning change the participants are planners and
decision-makers
Implementation the participants are
implementers
Managing the process of data the participants are facilitators
collection and interpretation
Designing the overall study the participants are researchers
or co-researchers
Being kept informed about the the participants are recipients
study and its implications only
After Bob Dick, University Queensland

8. Dimensions of participation
the participants are informants Who has info, do I need to sample,
what info do I need?
the participants are interpreters Comment on meaning of information
and often the language of participants
the participants are planners and What do they think might work in their
decision-makers system – what do they want?
the participants are implementers Who is in the position to do this, and
who is motivated to do it
the participants are facilitators Who has the skills and motivation?
the participants are researchers or Learning to manage research needs;
co-researchers simple comparisons; data gathering
the participants are recipients only Sometimes money/resources limiting
so only some interested people can
be involved
After Bob Dick, University Queensland

9. Outcome –
Participation in Action productivity,
profitability,
environmental
impact
Action – crop
program for current
season
Output – what we
will do at this site
this year
FEEDBACK
Decision support
– participatory
management &
adaptive research
Site factors – crop,
soil, farmer,
weather,
technology,
finances

10. Real Participation Modifying and
adapting to suit
local conditions –
ongoing process
Confidence to try
technology
generated Conscious decision
Consultation with to trial the
local champions; technology
building credibility for
technology
Observing what is Testing
happening “over the Acquiring practical outcomes
fence”; capturing the experiences
practical
Sharing practical solutions
Additional Seeking additional and experiences
information sought information and
from credible practical
sources knowledge
General information
General awareness providers, media,
consultants, advisers
Dr Jay Cummins, 2010

11. Simplifying Participation
Develop a participatory culture
Trials to compare new with old to
allow rapid visualisation of change
New Observe and listen to how farmers are
Farmers
opportunity responding to new ideas
Mix up staff involved in program to
share in all experiences
Share change and adaptation tactics
with farmers & other stakeholders

12. Arab Republic of Egypt
Australian Government
Rural Solutions South Australia