WP5 Case-studies of Demonstration Activities on Commercial farms

Work Package Leaders Boelie Elzen and Frank Wijnands, Wageningen

The overall objective of WP5 is to undertake in-depth assessments of the processes involved in achieving efficient and effective on-farm demonstration activities. This will be achieved through 24 year-long studies of demonstration events and activities, which follow demonstration from initial commissioning through to impact assessment. The cases will be those located on commercial farms.

The specific objectives of WP5 are:

To develop a methodology to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of demonstration activities in terms of organisation, learning and impact, based on the PLAID conceptual framework (WP2).
Improved understanding of the key elements that contribute to successful and effective demonstration activities on commercial farms, looking specifically at: commissioning and financing, topic selection, accessibility, mediation techniques, and embeddedness. Gender will be specifically addressed.
Improved understanding of the effectiveness of demonstration activities in terms of learning by participants (at the individual level and the network level: what is learned, by whom, how and why?) and the subsequent impact (i.e. actual implementation of what farmers have learned on their own farm, new network development, innovation inception).
Assess the role of demonstration within wider AKIS systems and what the impact of demonstration is on learning and technology adoption
Develop insights into critical success factors, best (and poor) practices, and indicators for effective and successful demonstration activities.

Provide materials for analysis of governance and best practice recommendations in WP6.

Task Descriptors

T5.1 Methodology development and pilot testing WUR

Additional Information ...

Wageningen (WUR) will work with CRR (WP2 leader) to develop an analytical framework for the case studies (e.g. specify heuristics for case selection, data collection and analysis of case-study findings). The resulting method will be piloted with four short case studies (WUR, BSC, INTIA, ASC) to test and refine the methods. The final methodology will be validated via feedback from stakeholders in NSCGs. The method is expected to include a combination of interviews, observation of activities, workshops with organisers and use of impact assessment surveys with participants.

T5.2 Case selection INTIA

Additional Information ...

INTIA will lead a selection process, where by a broad range of 'good' (innovative, high impact) cases identified in the geo-referenced inventory (WP3) are selected for in depth analysis. Two cases per consortium country will be selected, informed by NSCGs. INTIA will ensure that 8 cases are farmer-led demonstrations, and the remainder led by public, commercial and charitable service providers. The cases will cover a range of agricultural sectors, systems and territories.

T5.3 Conduct 24 case studies WUR

Additional Information ...

Wageningen (WUR) will lead all consortium members in using the T5.1 method on the selected demonstration activities (T5.2). Each case study will be undertaken over the course of at least one year.

Every pair of cases (per country) will be 'enriched' with information from a range of other demonstration activities in this country to 'fill holes' or to verify preliminary findings. The cases will serve as the basis for understanding demonstrations and the wider enrichment gives more context and depth to the analysis by a targeted broadening of the empirical basis. The full range of the enriched cases will be analysed to gain insight in fail and success factors for effective demonstrations and to develop lessons and recommendations for various stakeholders in WP6.

T5.4 Pan European meetings for validation and co-learning Arvalis

Additional Information ...

ACTA will bring together the leaders of the 24 case study demonstrations for a pan-European group meeting to exchange experiences (to learn from each other for their own benefit), to contribute broader data analysis, and to interact with the virtual demonstration farmers from WP4. Demonstration farm leaders will also be invited to participate in the Recommendations Workshop.

T5.5 Synthesis and recommendations WUR

Additional Information ...

Wageningen (WUR) will work with ISP to ensure that findings are delivered in useful format for the recommendations and best practice assessment. This will include an overarching analysis of governance and a draft list of indicators of high impact demonstration processes.

T5.6 Production of summary materials and videos Idele

Additional Information ...

Wageningen (WUR) will draft a set of two page summaries highlighting innovations in demonstration (e.g. in relation to access, mediation techniques, and measuring outcomes). ACTA will assist with formatting and translation into selected languages. FiBL will make a set of 3-5 short videos addressing these topics.

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WP5 Case-studies of Demonstration Activities on Commercial farms

Work Package Leaders Boelie Elzen and Frank Wijnands, Wageningen

Task Descriptors

T5.1 Methodology development and pilot testing WUR

T5.2 Case selection INTIA

T5.3 Conduct 24 case studies WUR

T5.4 Pan European meetings for validation and co-learning Arvalis

T5.5 Synthesis and recommendations WUR

T5.6 Production of summary materials and videos Idele

Work Package Leader

Lead Partner