Creating tools for farmers' learning: an application of developmental work research

This paper describes how the methodology of developmental work research, originating from cultural–historical activity theory, was applied in an intervention study of organic vegetable farming. Analysis of disturbances occurring in practice and of the developmental histories of two farms served as basis for modeling organic vegetable farming as an activity system. Contradictions within the activity system revealed that sustainable use of natural resources on the one hand and entrepreneurial integration into society on the other hand were the two major learning challenges faced by the farmers. Learning tools created and used in the study are the special focus of this paper. These are the models of an activity system, the zone of proximal development, strategies for increasing product volume and three orientations towards farm workers. The methodology offers means for problem definition in research and development projects, and enables the formation of non-deterministic directions of development for organic vegetable farms.