Social learning in information diffusion and capability of farmers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyse the importance of social networking in information diffusion and capability of farmers by understanding the pattern of social networking. This study also looks into the impact of social networking in agriculture and how far the village resource centre as an institution helped the social networking at the rural level. Design/methodology/approach The study conducted an empirical analysis by using primary data. A well-structured interview schedule is used to collect the information about social networking of each of the 170 Village Resource Centre (VRC) attending (VRCAM) and VRC non-attending (VRCNAM) people of Meppadi (Kerala State, India) and 170 VRC non-attending people from neighbouring villages of Meppadi (VRCNANV). Also, 133 samples were collected from VRC attendees (VRCAT), VRC non-attendees (VRCNAT) and VRC non-attendees from neighbouring villages of Thiruvaiyaru (Tamil Nadu state, India). Findings This paper provides empirical results that appropriate institutions at rural level can create effective social networking, and thereby help the information dissemination among the farmers. It is understood that the Meppadi VRC social network is expansionary in nature, but in Thiruvaiyaru, the social network is not expansionary. A major motive for the farmers to join a VRC network is to gain “knowledge” in both regions. The two patterns of networking identified that networking and communication between experts and attendees are strong in Triruvaiyaru, but less visible in Meppadi. Similarly, networking between VRC attendees and non-attendees is very strong and evident in Thivaiyaru. At the same time, the study found that the knowledge diffusion from VRC happens maximum in Meppadi famers because of their enhanced skills and capabilities. Research limitations/implications Since the research has conducted among the farmers who attended one particular type of institution, the result lacks diversity. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to conduct it in different types of institutions. Practical implications The study throws light on the importance of appropriate institutional interventions for developing a social network to disseminate knowledge and ideas among the farmers. Farmers rely more on personal interactions with their peers, friends, agricultural professionals, local institutions, media and extension farm advisers for new technology, knowledge, etc., than the formal channels of information sharing. Social implications Well-directed social networks among the farmers can enhance the productivity of agriculture, which, in turn, will enhance the living standard of the agriculture-dependent population. Originality/value The study conducted an empirical analysis by using primary data and proved that local institutions are important for developing social networks.

Social skills for accessing agricultural information among smallholder farmers in southwest Nigeria

“…Core-periphery structure cannot facilitate strong network formation for access to agricultural information. This is because there won't be trust Network formation will be encouraged by librarians so that the smallholder farmers obtain information as in Shaijumon (2018) and (Beddington, 1997(Beddington, , 1998.…”

“…According to Shaijumon (2018) the major motive to join village resource centre (VRC) network is to obtain knowledge in their region, and recognize the significance of VRCs as a knowledge provider and innovation facilitator. It was also noted that around 11 per cent of VRC participants in one section of the study area carry the ideas introduced in VRC to farmers' organizations.…”

“…It will equally increase their confidence and bargaining position and assist in gaining better agricultural production thereby reducing food insecurity. As stated by Shaijumon (2018), "achieving sustainable agricultural development is less based on material inputs (e.g. seeds and fertilizer) than on the people involved in their use"p.602.…”

Faktor-Faktor Penentu Pola Pembelajaran Petani dalam Pengembangan Padi Sawah Organik di Kabupaten Kolaka Timur

“…Tingkat pasrtisipasi masyarakat maupun stakeholder tinggi dalam memberikan kontribusi terhadap perbaikan inovasi yang ditawarkan namun juga terdapat hambatan berupa semakin kompleksnya permasalahan yang dihadapi (Van Assche et al, 2013). Pembelajaran sosial memungkinkan terbentuknya jaringan antar petani dalam proses difusi inovasi (Shaijumon, 2018).…”

“…Proses belajar sosial dapat dimulai dari pengetahuan pribadi seperti pada penyebaran teknologi teknik pemangkasan (Weber, 2012). Lembaga-lembaga di tingkat petani dapat berperan aktif dalam penyebaran informasi teknologi sehingga dapat menjadi media belajar (Shaijumon, 2018); (Djokoto et al, 2016). Disamping itu, belajar bersama sebagai kontruksi sosial, mendorong untuk terjadinya komunikasi personal yang saling memahami konteks budaya antar orang-orang yang belajar (Oxford, 1997).…”