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Farmer field schools and the co-creation of knowledge and innovation: the mediating role of social capital

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Abstract

Research has repeatedly confirmed that farmer field schools (FFS) can serve as a bridge between science and farm practice, enhancing simultaneously rural social energy. However, even though social capital is a burgeoning topic in FFS research, it is not clear whether and how it mediates FFS performance. In this mixed-methods study, using data from two FFS projects conducted in Greece, we examined if social capital among trainees facilitates the co-creation of knowledge and the co-development of agricultural innovations by farmers. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse qualitative data, whereas regression models were employed for the quantitative strand of analysis. Results revealed that social capital evolves progressively during FFS, enabling the achievement of the project’s aims by enhancing in-group communication, establishing affective ties, instilling a sense of community, and triggering motivational contagion among participants. Statistical analyses confirmed that the “softest” sides of social capital (bonding and connection) significantly contribute to knowledge and innovation co-production. Although this work was based on data derived only from two FFS projects that took place in Greece, our findings underline the importance of social capital for the success of any FFS project and emphasise the need for identifying routes to nurture social capital within FFS.

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Abbreviations

FFS:

Farmer field schools

ICM:

Integrated crop management

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Acknowledgements

This research project is funded under the Project “Research & Technology Development Innovation Projects”-AgroETAK, MIS 453350, in the framework of the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development”. It is co-funded by the European Social Fund through the National Strategic Reference Framework (Research Funding Program 2007–2013) coordinated by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER. We gratefully acknowledge this support. Finally, we would like to thank the four anonymous reviewers and the editor for their valuable comments and suggestions.

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  1. Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Chrysanthi Charatsari

  2. Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University, Kanellopoulou 2, 60100, Katerini, Greece

    Evagelos D. Lioutas

  3. Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855, Athens, Greece

    Alex Koutsouris

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Charatsari, C., Lioutas, E.D. & Koutsouris, A. Farmer field schools and the co-creation of knowledge and innovation: the mediating role of social capital. Agric Hum Values 37, 1139–1154 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-020-10115-8

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