Modified listening group method as a knowledge-sharing and learning mechanism in agricultural communities in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore if the modified listening group method that originated in Canada can enhance learning and sharing amongst farmers in a group learning setup.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study, participated in by 111 rice farmers, was conducted in Farmer Field School sites of PhilRice in the provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Bohol, Ilocos Norte, Negros Occidental, and Tarlac. It employed a quasi-experimental research design.

Findings: Overall, we found that the modified listening group method enables learning of technical concepts and provides avenues for farmers to collectively forward their agenda to the government. Taking on a more critical approach, however, and moving this research forward, we argue that there is a need to scrutinise the types of knowledge shared and muted during the course of exchanges amongst farmers. Several questions relating to power relations in knowledge-sharing are advanced in this research.

Theoretical Implications: This paper contributes to addressing the dearth of studies from developing countries on the use of listening groups in agricultural extension.

Practical Implications: The study explores and offers a cost-effective strategy to enhance learning and sharing in a group learning setup amongst farmers.

Originality/Value: The study explored how an old advisory method like the listening groups may be revived and modified to facilitate learning in a group learning setup.

KEYWORDS:

• Listening groups
• group learning
• broadcast media
• radio forum
• adult learning

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the two anonymous reviewers for their inputs in helping shape the substantive direction of this paper, and Mr. Constante T. Briones for editing the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Raw data for Bohol was inaccessible at the time of writing due to Covid-19

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Philippine Rice Research Institute [grant number DVC 006].

Notes on contributors

Sonny P. Pasiona

Sonny P. Pasiona is an agricultural journalist and a development communication practitioner at PhilRice. He develops stories and knowledge products on rice science and technologies, policies, and programs in Philippine agriculture. His research interests are youth engagement, governance, knowledge management, and ICTs for agricultural innovation.

Mary Grace M. Nidoy

Mary Grace M. Nidoy is a development communication practitioner at PhilRice. Her research interests include but are not limited to science communication, extension modalities, and media's coverage on agriculture-related stories. As a science communicator, she has published stories on rice science and development, success stories of farmers, climate change, policy advocacy, and food security.

Jaime Albarillo Manalo IV

Jaime Albarillo Manalo IV was head of PhilRice's Development Communication Division from 2014 to 2015. His research interests are youth engagement in agriculture, climate change adaptation in agriculture, youth and ICTs.