Characteristics of and Challenges for Advisors within a Privatized Extension System

Autor/inn/en	Knuth, Ulrike; Knierim, Andrea
Titel	Characteristics of and Challenges for Advisors within a Privatized Extension System
Quelle	In: Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 19 (2013) 3, S.223-236 (14 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1389-224X
DOI	10.1080/1389224X.2013.782166
Schlagwörter	Information Transfer; Statistical Analysis; Rural Areas; Foreign Countries; Synchronous Communication; Privatization; Online Surveys; Agricultural Occupations; Mixed Methods Research; Farm Management; Structured Interviews; Comparative Analysis; Rural Extension; Extension Agents; European Union; Germany + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Informationsübertragung; Statistische Analyse; Rural area; Ländlicher Raum; Ausland; Privatisation; Privatisierung; Agriculture; Occupation; Landwirtschaft; Beruf; Landwirtschaftlicher Beruf; Deutschland
Abstract	Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide evidence on the consequences of the privatization process in Brandenburg with a focus on the agricultural advisors' situation. Before the background of future European Union (EU) expectations on Farm Advisory Systems (FAS), their capacities and competences to respond to such challenges are discussed. Design/methodology/approach: Data from three empirical studies, conducted over a time span of 15 years, and with partially similar research questions, are analysed comparatively. All studies used a mixed qualitative and quantitative research design relying on structured, face-to-face interviews and an online survey, respectively, among advisors and others. Findings: Face-to-face communication remains predominant in the advisor-client relationship. The intensity of advisory services to the single farmer in terms of farm visits was reduced. Linkages of the advisors within the overall knowledge system became fragmented and partially one-sided. Nevertheless, most advisors appreciate the demand-driven relationship they have with their clients. In contrast, the information flow from public authorities is viewed more critically. Practical implications: If Brandenburg's advisors want to profit from the up-coming EU policy instruments for the enhancement of knowledge transfer and innovation generation in rural areas, more pro-active engagement for networking and cooperation will be necessary. Awareness creation and incentives from the federal state of Brandenburg would be useful measures. Originality/value: The article combines results from three empirical studies which are so far only published in German and this allows for a longitudinal appraisal and comparative view. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10