Understanding Small Farmers: Sociocultural Perspectives on Experimental Farm Trials

摘要

In developing new agricultural technology, on-farm trials are valuable in bringing farmers and scientists. In this training document, guidelines are provided to help the applied scientist or practical field technician understand the farmer's point of view. The agricultural scientist is reminded that present farming systems are the result of centuries of experience and adaptation; that farmers are usually doubtful of new methods proposed by outsiders; and that they will often, from motives either of gain or politeness, say what they think outsiders want to hear.