Agroforestry Technology Transfer in Los Rios, Chile: Analysis of Rural Farmers’ Response to Outreach and Education
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Date
2014-11
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Series/Report No.
Master of Natural Resources Professional Papers (North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources)
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Publisher
North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources
Abstract
Gonzalez-Jeuck, Grizel. Master of Natural Resources – International Resources Agroforestry
Technology Transfer in Los Rios, Chile: Analysis of Rural Farmers’ Response to Outreach
and Education
Owing to their commitment to sustainable development, Chile has implemented
education and outreach programs to motivate rural farmers to implement agroforestry methods.
Follow-up visits to farmers who had received outreach services revealed that while some
farmers had successfully implemented the methods introduced, other farmers expressed
confusion about the processes or appeared as though they had never received outreach
materials. A qualitative, multiple method study was conducted, utilizing SWOT analysis
design to survey farmers who had received agroforestry outreach materials in San Jose de la
Mariquina. Written outreach materials were also analyzed to establish design and readability
appropriateness.
Analysis of current written outreach materials indicate that they are not suitable for
theintended audience and that design elements such as font and picture size, use of technical
language and the number of concepts covered should be revised. In addition, survey responses
suggest that agencies should incorporate alternate modes of communication, such as mobile
phones and radio as a means of bolstering outreach efforts. Finally, results from the SWOT
analysis reveal that respondents tend to have a positive attitude toward benefits associated with
agroforestry and they show interest in learning about agroforestry methods. However,
inconsistent delivery of written materials and continued tensions between Mapuche
stakeholders and the Chilean government pertaining to land use and development pose threats
to outreach efforts. Further analysis of outreach methods in other regions is needed determine
generalization of this study’s findings.
Description
Keywords
technology transfer, agroforestry, SWOT analysis, constructivist learning, rural farmers