No abstract

Based on the analysis of scientific papers published on rural extension in Colombia since 2010, an interpretive descriptive study was conducted to identify the level of collaboration be tween authors and institutions in the creation, systematization and dissemination of knowledge in rural extension. Informa tion was gathered from a search in bibliographic databases to identify papers published in rural extension. 50 papers were found. They were organized in a database, and using social network analysis, a review of relational structures and indi cators derived from the scientific collaboration between the authors and institutions involved in the publication conducted. Authors from 28 different institutions have participated in the 50 papers identified, 70% of them have been published by re searchers working in the same institution. The findings of this study support the conclusion that actors building knowledge on rural extension in Colombia have a limited intra and inter-institutional articulation, making it urgent to strength public policies and incentives to foster relationships between research groups and institutions.

En Colombia, una de las deficiencias en los procedimientos de transferencia de tecnología ha sido la falta de estrategias que permitan identificar la forma en que aprenden los productores, lo que se ha reflejado en la baja implementación de prácticas sugeridas en los procesos de capacitación. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la literatura existente sobre identificación de estilos de aprendizaje para generar una propuesta metodológica aplicable al sector agropecuario que contribuya a mejorar la efectividad de los procesos de transferencia. Se identificaron modelos estudiados a nivel global, los cuales se usaron como insumo para construir una metodología con cuatro dimensiones (motivacional, perceptiva, estratégica y social) que responden a las características del contexto rural y los procesos de capacitación de productores. Los resultados permiten resaltar la importancia de identificar estilos de aprendizaje antes de llevar a cabo un proceso de formación para aumentar la implementación de nuevas tecnologías por parte de productores agropecuarios.

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of developing more viable local public-private partnerships (LPPP) which may result in innovation in the cocoa value chain, through the agricultural innovation system functions approach. Research was conducted in two rural municipalities in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. A focus group with stakeholders as well as directed surveys were implemented. 15 experts in the municipality of Necoclí, and 18 experts in the municipality of Caucasia participated. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the MACTOR method was used in order to determine the relationship between actors and the strategic objectives for innovation. Case studies revealed different dynamics, both from the perspective of the interests at play when actors prioritized key variables in each region, as well as their vision regarding strategic objectives to promote innovation in the cocoa value chain. Different degrees of convergence and correspondence between actors and strategic objectives in each region provided the grounds to determine the possible partnerships in the cocoa chain. Key actors with different capabilities and resources were also identified, as they could contribute to leveraging local innovation should a partnership come to be developed.

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Rural associative organizations (RAOs) have been considered as key actors for rural and agricultural development. In fact, the RAOs are characterized by their flexibility, since they can perform various functions in rural territories that can be economic, productive, political, social and environmental. <strong>Objective. </strong>This study used a literature review in order to determine the multifunctionality of RAOs based on the typification of organizational models, through a qualitative process of grouping categories and variables, in order to enrich theoretical conceptualization and future research analysis. <strong>Methodology</strong>. A systematic study of the literature was carried out in the global databases: ScienceDirect, Elsevier, EBSCO, SCOPUS, Springer, Wiley and Google Scholar, Scielo and REDALYC, using as key search terms in both Spanish and English: rural associativity, associativity rural cooperative, rural associative enterprises, dimensions of associativity, agrarian associations, associative forms and family farming, associativity and public policies, producer organizations, associativity and chains. <strong>Results. </strong>The study made it possible to determine four multifunctional models of RAOs: (i) Associative model as an intermediary in innovation; (ii) Rural agribusiness associative model; (iii) Associative model promoting leadership and empowerment; (iv) Associative model for local agri-food supply. <strong>Implications</strong>. The RAOs models proposed in this study are framed within key strategic functions that can be used to promote associativity in relation to the specific needs of the territories. This has implications for public policy at the local and micro-regional level. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. Despite the existence of extensive contributions on rural associativity generating various study frameworks, the state of the art and systematic and critical analysis allowed the grouping of four multifunctional models of RAOs. Each associative model pursues different purposes that, of course, can be transversal, but which are limited to specific strategic functions to promote different initiatives in the context of local rural development, as well as for the design of public policies with a territorial approach, within the framework of the availability of association capabilities and public-private institutions.<strong></strong></p>