Search

The paper focuses on exploring the influence of structural and functional characteristics of demonstrations on their effectiveness. In the framework of AgriDemo-F2F project, we analysed the responses to 345 post-demonstration questionnaires filled out by the attendees of 31 demo events held in 12 EU countries. Factor analysis was employed and on a subsequent step a linear regression to predict general effectiveness. Results indicate that the very first steps in the organisation of on-farm demonstration are of critical importance for the successful delivery of their objectives, particularly decisions relating to relevance to farmers' needs and the structure of the event. Moreover, the paper offers first evidence that when/if on-farm demonstrations are appropriately structured and delivered they can meet their objectives regardless of the status and strength of the corresponding AKIS. Demonstration organisers should take special care with regard to the relevance of the topic and the group (demonstrator and attendees) as well as of the structure of the event. The various elements influencing the success of on-farm demonstrations are examined together and ranked. The study generates important (theoretical and practical) insights concerning the success of a widely used technique of advisory/extension services, that is on-farm demonstrations, based on a large data-set from demonstration events through out Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to undertake an in-depth exploration of how structural characteristics of on-farm demonstration events impact the effectiveness of the demonstration as perceived by participants. An explanatory mixed-methods approach was used based on the responses to 356 post-demonstration questionnaires filled out by the attendees of 31 demonstration events held in 12 EU countries in 2018, together with the qualitative data from an observation tool, interviews and case study reports relating to the same 31 events. Factor analysis was employed to predict general effectiveness, complemented with a qualitative analysis of participants' responses to improve the understanding of the quantitative results. Results indicate that peer-to-peer learning activities and good facilitation increase participants' perception of the effectiveness of a demonstration event. Furthermore, characteristics such as the structure of the day, the suitability of the host farm, a trustworthy demonstrator, and group size add much to the effectiveness of a demo event. Group dynamics – including group connectedness and composition – have the potential to impact perceived effectiveness. The paper contains clear messages for practitioners when designing a demonstration event. Our results connect with theories on motivation and adult learning in the context of farmer learning during on-farm demonstration. The paper is based on a rich empirical dataset. It reveals that group size and learning methods are crucial to achieve effective learning outcomes during demonstration events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Demonstration farming has been an important part of agricultural extension since the first decades of the twentieth century. While Seaman Knapp is often credited with developing demonstration farming, his son acknowledged that the concept has much earlier origins in the nineteenth century development of model/pattern farms. However, little is known of these early origins or why early demonstration agriculture failed. This paper addresses this gap. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology involves analysis of out of copy-right historical journal articles, letters, pamphlets, and books recently made available by online services such as Google Books. Findings: The study details how the concept of demonstration farming was developed by agricultural societies of the eighteenth century but was not implemented until the early nineteenth century with the advent of model/pattern farms. Demonstration activities were run by a variety of different types of private and public farm organisations who sought to improve agriculture through emulation. Enthusiasm for model farms died out by the end of the nineteenth century but the failure of model farm demonstration leaves us with lessons for demonstration farming today. Theoretical implications: The study provides new knowledge on the conceptual and historical development of demonstration farming and why it failed to influence change. Practical implications: The study identifies factors that might contribute to the failure of demonstration activities. Originality/value: This is the first study to explore in detail demonstration farming on nineteenth century model farms and, methodologically, outlines how free on-line digitised literature can be used to investigate early agricultural education activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]