ABSTRACT
Purpose
This paper examines the challenges of implementing Farmer Learning Videos (FLV) in Rural Advisory Services (RAS) through a holistic approach. Our study focuses on a clear theoretical and managerial question – how do RAS manage FLV that does not easily fit into traditional models?
Design/methodology/approach
The research collected data through semi-structured interviews (138 respondents) and focus group discussions (342 participants) in 30 RAS. The framework built drives the data analysis.
Findings
The study shows that although most of the RAS provided poor support and did not write FLV in their project documents, many are increasingly using FLV. Extension workers see FLV as a way to efficiently and effectively achieve their goals – a helpful tool that could reduce workload. Moreover, the presence of FLV champions who are generally young and the high level of positive attitude toward FLV as well as collaboration with other organizations favor the increasing use of FLV.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be used by policymakers and RAS to improve the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into their work.
Theoretical implications
This study sheds more light on the importance of a holistic approach to thoroughly understand the challenges of FLV implementation in RAS with theoretical implications for their design, implementation, and analysis.
Originality
This study reports the first known application of a holistic approach to understanding the challenges of FLV implementation in RAS in Benin.
Acknowledgements
We thank all the members of the Laboratoire de Recherche sur l’Innovation pour le Développement Agricole (LRIDA) for their valuable contribution and Access Agriculture for funding this research.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Mori W. Gouroubera
Mori W. Gouroubera holds a PhD in Communication and Agricultural Extension from the University of Parakou, Benin. His research interests include organization and institution, capitalization of experience, agricultural digitalization and innovation systems.
Ismail M. Moumouni
Ismail M. Moumouni is a Full Professor in Agricultural Sociology at the Faculty of Agronomy and Director of the Laboratory of Research on Innovation for Agricultural Development (LRIDA), University of Parakou, Benin. He received his PhD from the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. His primary research interests include knowledge management and process facilitation.
Florent Okry
Florent Okry is a Lecturer and currently Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the National University of Agriculture in Porto-Novo (Benin). He received his PhD from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. His research interests include video mediated learning, innovation systems, agroecological knowledge management and seed systems analysis.
Latifou Idrissou
Latifou Idrissou is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Benin. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. His research interests include conflicts management and agricultural innovation platforms.