The objective of this work is to describe the stages involved
in conducting a technology transfer project with rural and indigenous farmers
using the Field Schools model. Additionally, it includes an analysis of the
results obtained in various studies using this method with the aim of
contributing to alternative schemes for technology transfer in rural areas of
the country. Subsistence farming is carried out in the southeastern region of
Mexico by elderly farmers who speak indigenous languages and have little to no
formal education. These farmers have been the focus of several agricultural
extension programs, but the results have not been what was anticipated,
primarily due to administrative and methodological issues. The results
identified that administrative problems in linear methods have frequently been that
programs started late, fee payments were inopportune, and for the most part,
the technicians were dedicated to covering administrative tasks. To implement
the Field Schools model, bibliographic information was gathered, and the
initial training sessions were conducted on a monthly basis, with a two-day
duration. As for the methodological aspect, it refers to the fact that field
technicians do not have the capacity or preparation to work with elderly
producers, speakers of Indigenous languages, have a limited understanding of
Spanish, and have received little or no schooling, which requires an
appropriate work method. However, the attention of the extension service has
been conventional, with practices aimed at covering operational goals. The
results, measured in the adoption rates of the technological components,
indicate an average of 60% adoption of the technological components, in basic
crops, lemon and tomato in the greenhouse. Further results from the Field
Schools were obtained in commercial crops, specifically for greenhouse tomato
production in the southern region of Oaxaca with Zapotec indigenous producers.
It is concluded that the andragogical method, mainly learning by doing, has
demonstrated its efficiency in the training of adult producers. The scheme
shifts from a traditional linear transfer model to a consensus-based
decision-making model and a process of critical empowerment of technological
innovations tailored to each context.
Author(s) Details
Morales-Guerra, M.
Department of Rural Development, National Institute of Forestry,
Agriculture and Livestock Research, Central Valleys of Oaxaca Experimental
Field, Melchor Ocampo No. 7, Santo Domingo Barrio Bajo, Etla, Oaxaca, CP.
68200, Mexico.
Cadena-Pérez, K. Y.
Department of Science in Environment, Culture and Society, Provider of
Professional Services of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and
Livestock Research, Central Valleys of Oaxaca Experimental Field, Santo Domingo
Barrio Bajo, Villa de Etla, Oaxaca, CP. 68200, Mexico.
Cadena-Iñiguez, P.
Department of Rural Development, National Institute of Forestry,
Agriculture and Livestock Research, Centro de Chiapas Experimental Field, Km. 3
Ocozocoautla-Cintalapa Highway, CP. 29140, Mexico.
Berdugo-Rejón, J.G.
Department of Social Anthropology, National Institute of Forestry,
Agriculture and Livestock Research, Mocochá Experimental Field, Km 24.5
Mérida-Motul Highway, Mexico.
Rodríguez–Hernández
F.R.
Department of Science in Agricultural Economics, National Institute of
Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research, Valles Centrales de Oaxaca
Experimental Field, Melchor Ocampo No. 7, Santo Domingo Barrio Bajo, Etla,
Oaxaca, CP. 68200, Mexico.
Cuevas-Reyes, V.
Department of Agroindustrial Economic Issues, National Institute of
Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research, Valle de México Experimental
Field, Km. 13.5 Los Reyes-Texcoco Highway, Coatlinchán, Texcoco, State of
Mexico, CP. 56250, Mexico.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aoller/v3/961
