The development and application of tools, methods and events that could be used to communicate and disseminate agroecological knowledge and practical experience.

Structure Vlaamse Landmaatschappij
Target group
  • Advisors
Duration 3 x half day (preparation 2-3 days per tool)
Principles of action In this module tools are developed by the advisors and then tested by them or applied in practice. One of the first tools to be developed was a brief video of a sustainable agricultural practice with the commentary of the farmer. The methodology used for making the video is based on the methodology of entretien d’autoconfrontation (self-controntation) as described by Theureau . This tool serves, on the one hand, to observe precisely what the farmer is doing and, on the other hand, with the help of the commentary (after viewing the images as presented by the farmer) to understand precisely why the farmer does this. With the application of this methodology it is possible to demonstrate the underlying motives of the farmer. For it is important to identify these motives in order to be able to communicate the practice effectively among other farmers. A second tool to be developed was the establishment of a network of farmers. This tool assumes that farmers learn far better by simply visiting a fellow farmer and discussing the practical aspects between themselves. Advisors can prepare and facilitate such meetings, e.g. by making appointments with the farmer to be visited, preparing themes with questions, or making a report. A third tool or, in this case, event is the bringing together of farmers, advisors, citizens, experts, and NGOs in order to demonstrate agricultural practices and then discuss these from different perspectives. This gives a broader picture of agroecological practice and, moreover, ensures a better mutual understanding and for a possible collaboration between the aforementioned groups.
Phases in the training pathway - Make a video about agricultural practice based on the entretien d’autoconfrontation (self-confrontation) method. (http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/fr/Entretien_d'autoconfrontation ) - Organise an event on agroecological knowledge, with an exchange between farmers, citizens, experts, students, policy makers and NGOs. - Organise a learning network for farmers.
Observed interest of the training process - The group discussions resulted in interesting exchanges. (Some) advisors experienced these discussions as congenial, promoting a critical consideration of their manner of working or of certain agricultural practices. - Advisors undervalue the role that they could play in communicating (agroecological) knowledge and practices.
Limits and difficulties encountered - Due to the overfull agendas of the advisors it was very difficult to include them in the training modules. - The development of the ‘video’ tool cost more time than anticipated(due mainly to the time taken to assemble the correct images and text). - The development of the tool ‘network of farmers’ was complicated by the fact that the advisors were informed that they would no longer be allowed to work as advisors for the organisation. The motivation to continue to work with the project decreased immediately. - The organisation of an event concerning agroecological practice based on different perspectives requires the involvement of a lot of people. Contacting these people and persuading them to participate takes a lot of time. - The successful involvement of advisors in the process depends to a large degree on their motivation and the time at their disposal.
Recommendations - Involve people with different profiles and viewpoints, this enriches the process considerably - It is recommended that advisors who participate only a few times a year in a half-day training course are kept updated, or informed of the progress of the training courses. Otherwise they lose a part of the link with the training.
Speakers http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4zco16
Contact email sylvie.fosselle@vlm.be

Location of the training session

Adress gulden-vlieslaan 72
Post code 1060
City Bruxelles
Country Belgium