A DEMONSTRATION OF THE ‘TRANSACTIONAL PERSPECTIVE AS METHOD’ INTEGRATING OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE AND IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE

As the transactional perspective on occupation continues to evolve (Dickie, Cutchin, & Humphry, 2006; Bailliard, Aldrich, & Dickie, 2012; Cutchin, Dickie & Humphry, 2017), the epistemological advances toward a more communal/less individual-centered understanding of occupation beckon thoughtful methodological shifts, as well. Early research methodology associated with the transactional perspective on occupation included ethnography and participant observation, both of which continue to be widely employed and extended through new forms of qualitative inquiry and analysis. This study builds on the advancements of research grounded in the transactional perspective on occupation and makes an argument for and demonstrates the use of a methodology developed within implementation science known as a practice profile (Metz, 2016). Practice profiles are increasingly used to support implementation and/or program improvement efforts, particularly in public service domains like education and health care. In the civic forum, advantages of practice profiles over other innovation and continuous quality improvement models begin with a focus on community engagement. In addition, flexibility and responsiveness to current practice demands, clarity on required infrastructure for implementation (e.g., funding, policy, staffing), and direct linkages to measurable implementation also lend methodological power to practice profiles. Within occupational science and the transactional perspective, practice profiles offer a methodology specifically designed to examine complex group and/or organizational occupations. The organizational occupation in this study is school-based Medicaid claiming, for which a practice profile does not currently exist, and where efforts to support excellence and innovation have mainly targeted the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of individual practitioners. Study methods included interviews, literature and document reviews, group vetting to develop the initial practice profile, and usability testing to make final refinements. Findings resulted in a practice profile for implementing school Medicaid claiming and revealed unexpected affective aspects of these reimbursement programs. The study also provided space for analyzing methodological decisions in occupational science and offered suggestions for enhancing the theoretical underpinnings of implementation science through an analysis of its alignment with pragmatism.Doctor of Philosoph

Managing Intellectual Property to Foster Agricultural Development

Over the past decades, consideration of IPRs has become increasingly important in many areas of agricultural development, including foreign direct investment, technology transfer, trade, investment in innovation, access to genetic resources, and the protection of traditional knowledge. The widening role of IPRs in governing the ownership of—and access to—innovation, information, and knowledge makes them particularly critical in ensuring that developing countries benefit from the introduction of new technologies that could radically alter the welfare of the poor. Failing to improve IPR policies and practices to support the needs of developing countries will eliminate significant development opportunities. The discussion in this note moves away from policy prescriptions to focus on investments to improve how IPRs are used in practice in agricultural development. These investments must be seen as complementary to other investments in agricultural development. IPRs are woven into the context of innovation and R&D. They can enable entrepreneurship and allow the leveraging of private resources for resolving the problems of poverty. Conversely, IPRs issues can delay important scientific advancements, deter investment in products for the poor, and impose crippling transaction costs on organizations if the wrong tools are used or tools are badly applied. The central benefit of pursuing the investments outlined in this note is to build into the system a more robust capacity for strategic and flexible use of IPRs tailored to development goals

Farmers, seeds and varieties : supporting informal seed supply in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is characterized by an enormous diversity in agro-ecosystems, crops and varieties, with the informal seed systems dominant in seed supply for almost all crops. The book addresses strategies and approaches through which professionals can support informal seed supply, and links these with the conservation and use of the huge genetic resource base of crops and local varieties. The book looks at informal seed supply from a number of different angles, introduces key concepts and strategies, and presents case studies from Ethiopia and other countries. It deals with the technical aspects of, quality and availability of, and access to seed, and of supporting informal supply. It also deals with the role of farmers in the conservation and management of local crops and varieties, and the participation of farmers and communities in plant breeding and research. It takes a particular interest in the role of farmer organizations in seed supply, and how this role can be strengthened by developing community and small-scale seed enterprises. The aim of all the strategies, case studies and reflections on experiences presented in this book is to improve the availability of and access to quality seeds and varieties, thereby improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Ethiopia and beyond

Participatory Research For Natural Resource Management: Continuing to Learn Together

Case studies on participatory research for natural resource managemen

Technologies for climate change adaptation: agricultural sector

This Guidebook presents a selection of technologies for climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector. A set of twenty two adaptation technologies are showcased that are primarily based on the principals of agroecology, but also include scientific technologies of climate and biological sciences complemented with important sociological and institutional capacity building processes that are required to make adaptation function. The technologies cover monitoring and forecasting the climate, sustainable water use and management, soil management, sustainable crop management, seed conservation, sustainable forest management and sustainable livestock management. Technologies that tend to homogenize the natural environment and agricultural production have low possibilities of success in conditions of environmental stress that are likely to result from climate change. On the other hand, technologies that allow for, and indeed promote, diversity are more likely to provide a strategy which strengthens agricultural production in the face of uncertain future climate change scenarios. In this sense, the twenty two technologies showcased in this Guidebook have been selected because they facilitate the conservation and restoration of diversity while at the same time providing opportunities for increasing agricultural productivity. Many of these technologies are not new to agricultural production practices, but they are implemented based on assessment of current and possible future impacts of climate change in a particular location. Agro-ecology is an approach that encompasses concepts of sustainable production and biodiversity promotion and therefore provides a useful framework for identifying and selecting appropriate adaptation technologies for the agricultural sector. The Guidebook provides a systematic analysis of the most relevant information available on climate change adaptation technologies in the agriculture sector. It has been compiled based on a literature review of key publications, journal articles, and e-platforms, and by drawing on documented experiences sourced from a range of organizations working on projects and programmes concerned with climate change adaptation technologies in the agricultural sector. Its geographic scope is focused on developing countries where high levels of poverty, agricultural production, climate variability and biological diversity currently intersect. Key concepts around climate change adaptation are not universally agreed. It is therefore important to understand local contexts – especially social and cultural norms - when working with national and sub-national stakeholders to make informed decisions about appropriate technology options. Thus, decision-making processes should be participative, facilitated, and consensus-building oriented and should be based on the following key guiding principles: increasing awareness and knowledge, strengthening institutions, protecting natural resources, providing financial assistance and developing context-specific strategies. For decision-making the Community–Based Adaptation framework is proposed for creating inclusive governance that engages a range of stakeholders directly with local or district government and national coordinating bodies, and facilitates participatory planning, monitoring and implementation of adaptation activities. Seven criteria are suggested for the prioritization of adaptation technologies: (i) The extent to which the technology maintains or strengthens biological diversity and is environmentally sustainable; (ii) The extent to which the technology facilitates access to information systems and awareness of climate change information; (iii) Whether the technology support water, carbon and nutrient cycles and enables stable and/or increased productivity; (iv) Income-generating potential, cost-benefit analysis and contribution to improved equity; (v) Respect for cultural diversity and facilitation of inter-cultural exchange; (vi) Potential for integration into regional and national policies and can be scaled-up; (vii) The extent to which the technology builds formal and information institutions and social networks. Finally, recommendations are set out for practitioners and policy makers: • There is an urgent need for improved climate modelling and forecasting which can provide a basis for informed decision-making and the implementation of adaptation strategies. This should include traditional knowledge. • Information is also required to better understand the behaviour of plants, animals, pests and diseases as they react to climate change. • Potential changes in economic and social systems in the future under different climate scenarios should also be investigated so that the implications of adaptation strategy and planning choices are better understood. • It is important to secure effective flows of information through appropriate dissemination channels. This is vital for building adaptive capacity and decision-making processes. • Improved analysis of adaptation technologies is required to show how they can contribute to building adaptive capacity and resilience in the agricultural sector. This information needs to be compiled and disseminated for a range of stakeholders from local to national level. • Relationships between policy makers, researchers and communities should be built so that technologies and planning processes are developed in partnership, responding to producers’ needs and integrating their knowledge

Exploring the Effects of the Strategic Behaviours of Family and Non-family Businesses on Regional Development: Evidence from Kenya

Family business theories describe the differences between family and nonfamily businesses but do not fully explain the firm-level strategic behaviours that contribute to their differences, particularly on their regional impact. Scholars acknowledge that family businesses are a unique set of economic actors because of the intersection between family and business logics thus they can alter regional development dimensions differently compared to their counterparts. Drawing on a multidimensional approach regarding perspectives of firm-level entrepreneurship, this study examined how the strategic behaviours differed between family and non-family businesses and to what extent they predict their differentiated contribution to regional development. The study employed a quantitative survey approach using structural equation modelling to analyse data collected from 307 privately held businesses operating in Kenya, which is an under-researched context. The analysis established significant relationships between firm-level strategic behaviours and regional development dimensions. Therefore, the findings confirmed that a multidimensional approach is best suited to explain how the two types of firms differ in their strategic behaviours and contribution to regional development. The study contributes to theory in threefold: First, the study extends our understanding of the effects of entrepreneurial behaviours within family and nonfamily firms. Despite nonfamily businesses exhibiting statistically stronger relationships between firm entrepreneurial orientation, firm performance and involvement in industrial clusters, family businesses are likely to contribute more to regional development, Secondly, contrary to the suggestions that family participation in decision-making would positively enhance firms contribution to regional development, the study established that they inhibited firm contribution to regional development as the effects were pronounced compared to nonfamily businesses. Thirdly, the study established that although both firms established strong bridging social capital that positively enhanced their regional impact, family firms tended to focus more on developing their internal social capital. Thus, the level of family involvement in the firm moderates the relationship between firm-level strategic behaviours and regional development outcomes. Further, the study contributes to the family business theory by developing and testing a multi-dimensional approach in exploring firm-level strategic behavioural influences on regional development. Empirically, it was the first multi-level study to provide quantitative evidence demonstrating the extent and limits of strategic behaviours on regional development, focused on a developing economy. Finally, the study offers a few practical and policy implications for consideration

From "best practice" to "best fit": a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services worldwide

"The paper develops a framework for the design and analysis of pluralistic agricultural advisory services and reviews research methods from different disciplines that can be used when applying the framework. Agricultural advisory services are defined in the paper as the entire set of organizations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being... To classify pluralistic agricultural advisory services, the paper distinguishes between organizations from the public, the private and the third sector that can be involved in (a) providing and (b) financing of agricultural advisory services. The framework for analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services presented in the paper addresses the need for analytical approaches that help policy-makers to identify those reform options that best fit country-specific frame conditions. Thus, the paper supports a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” to a “best fit” approach in the reform of public services... Based on a review of the literature, the paper presents a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches derived from different disciplines that can be applied when using the framework in empirical research projects. The disciplines include agricultural and institutional economics, communication theory, adult education, and public administration and management. The paper intends to inform researchers as well as practitioners, policy-makers and development partners who are interested in supporting evidence-based reform of agricultural advisory services. from Authors' AbstractAgricultural extension work, Pro-poor growth, Capacity strengthening,

Concepts and practices in agricultural extension in developing countries: a source book

The first chapter outlines the emerging challenges faced by agricultural R&D sectors and how paradigms are evolving in response to these changes and challenges. The second chapter traces the evolution of agricultural extension thinking and practice. It highlights some generic problems faced at various stages of evolution and approaches to address them. It highlights the factors identified in literature as contributing to successful knowledge dissemination processes and creating higher access to clients to the services. While reflecting on the challenges and opportunities, the chapter also explores the possible future of extension services in developing countries. The third chapter gives an account of the various extension models, approaches and methods that have been tried out in developing countries and the experiences. The chapter concludes with the transition being made to agricultural innovation systems from Research & Extension systems and highlights the role of extension services in this context. Chapter four highlights the importance of farmer groups in providing effective extension services and promoting innovation. It explains in detail the processes, approaches and methods involved in group formation and development, management, performance assessment and, monitoring and evaluation. Chapter five lists and describes in detail the various tools and methods used in participatory research and development processes. Chapter six focuses on the very important issues of Monitoring and Evaluation as systems for learning and for facilitating reflective action cycles. The importance of participatory approaches in M&E, process monitoring and outcome mapping are highlighted. This book can be used by students and practitioners of extension, researchers and decision-makers. This is a collation of knowledge regarding the practice of extension and is not intended to be used as a recipe or blue print. Based on the context and the requirement, the approaches and tools should be selected, adapted and used. There is a built-in flexibility that would allow the user to employ his/her experience, creativity and imagination in adapting and using the approaches and tools described in this source book

Making evaluations matter: a practical guide for evaluators

This guide is primarily for evaluators working in the international development sector. It is also useful for commissioner of evaluations, evaluation managers and M&E officers. The guide explains how to make evaluations more useful. It helps to better understand conceptual issues and appreciate how evaluations can contribute to changing mindsets and empowering stakeholders. On a practical level, the guide presents core guiding principles and pointers on how to design and facilitate evaluations that matter. Furthermore, it shows how to get primary intended users and other key stakeholders to contribute effectively to the evaluation proces

Active Development of Tacit Knowledge: ADTK In a World Without Farmers

Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and extensions such as Transformative Learning Theory offer significant potential for skill development later in life – reskilling. Despite wide acceptance and deployment, practitioners are still obliged to design their own methods and activities in order to implement these theories. This paper introduces a novel curricular model, Active Development of Tacit Knowledge (ADTK). Educators can use ADTK to effectively implement and scale ELT. Agricultural Education, specifically the training of new farmers, is used as a sample context to demonstrate ADTK. In new-farmer education, it is necessary to compress the educational cycles of dozens of years of seasonal feedback and generations of familial knowledge to replicate a farm upbringing, often within just weeks or months. Increasing global demand for farm products along with economic constraints limit options for learn by doing on the farm where a poor understanding of natural processes can cause a new farmer to irreparably harm the environment of production. Globally, highly productive farmers are aging out of production, adding urgency to the demand for competent new producers. The combination of system stresses requires teaching methodology that accurately develops frequent and repetitive on-farm decision-making processes that are production environment centered. Yet many new practitioners possess pre-existing and variable skills, knowledge, or information that may not be compatible with their successful farm management needs. ADTK encourages learners to draw out tacit knowledge and restructure pre-existing beliefs with new information into a stable foundation from which a more complex theoretical development and mastery of skills can evolve. Keywords: new-farmer, agriculture education, tacit knowledge, agriculture, experiential, self-directed, farm, beginning farmer, training