Network-smart extension could catalyze social learning

摘要: Social learning, learning from others, has value in extending knowledge about farm management through networks of growers. Exactly how much depends on the structure networks. We employed social network analysis to study and three American Viticulture Areas California: Central Coast, Lodi and Napa Valley. In a survey, growers confirmed that experiential social are more useful for accessing information farm than formal learning. UC Agriculture Natural Resources Cooperative Extension (UCCE) was found be well positioned access spread grower but bottleneck exists — many knowledge-sharing relationships relatively few staff. also found participation traditional outreach activities, e.g., meetings demonstrations, is strong predictor their number knowledge-sharing relationships, so UCCE other agricultural support organizations have an important role play strengthening Several network-smart extension strategies might help alleviate rewire efficiently connect those with questions solutions.