Action research as a means of enhancing dairy farmer learning for management.

摘要

At this conference in Gatton, 1997 a work-in-progress paper on farm extension methods was presented which described a process proposed for exploring farm extension methods relevant to the New Zealand dairy industry. An objective of that project was to identify practices and extension tools with the capacity of enhancing farmer learning. This paper reflects on experiences gained through the use of action research (AR) as one alternative method. In the context of a case study in farming learning behaviour with dairy farming women, AR was used as a method of resolving a particular technical issue on their farms. This process was compared with and evaluated against the discussion group method used widely in the New Zealand dairy industry.