Participatory Research with Farmers
Much of our work is done in close collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders through participatory research approaches. This work often involves working closely with farmers to determine the problems to be addressed and possible solutions to be studied, as well as the co-design of field trials that are typically located in farmers’ fields. Additionally, farmers are closely engaged in trial management, sampling activities and interpretation of findings. Through this work, we seek to develop practical solutions to the most pressing issues that farmers face and achieve the greatest possible impact from our research.
Related Websites
Relevant Publications
Caulfield, M., S.J. Vanek, K. Meza, J. Huaraca, J.L. Loayza, S. Palomino, E. Olivera, R. Ccanto, L. Vigil, and S.J. Fonte (2022) Drivers of farmer involvement in experimental forage trials in the Peruvian Andes and implications for participatory research design Experimental Agriculture. Journal of Experimental Agriculture 58: e39 1-19 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479722000357
Kelly, C., M.E. Schipanski, A. Moore, W. Trujillo, J.D. Holman, A. Obour, S.K. Johnson, J.E. Brummer, L. Haag, and S.J. Fonte (2021) Dryland cover crop soil health benefits are maintained with grazing in the U.S. High and Central Plains. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 313: 107358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107358
Nyamsoka-Magonziwa, B, S.J. Vanek, J.O. Ojiem, and S.J. Fonte (2020) A soil tool kit to evaluate soil properties and monitor soil health changes in smallholder farming contexts. Geoderma 376: 114539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114539
Vanek, S.J., K. Meza, R. Ccanto, E. Olivera, M. Scurrah, and S.J. Fonte (2020) Participatory design of improved forage/fallow options across soil gradients with farmers of the Central Peruvian Andes. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 300: 106933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2020.106933
Garcia E.D., P. Siles, L. Eash, R. van der Hoek, S.M. Smukler, S.P. Kearney, and S.J. Fonte (2019) Participatory evaluation of improved grasses and forage legumes for smallholder livestock production in Central America. Experimental Agriculture 55:776-792. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479718000364