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System lacks systems thinking: Top‐down organization and actor agency in China's agricultural extension system

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  • Chengdong Liao
  • Helen Ross
  • Natalie Jones
  • Gomathy Palaniappan

Abstract

Extension of agricultural technology is important for farmers to improve their practices. However, criticisms are made of top‐down extension systems, which fail to meet smallholder farmers' needs due to reliance on a linear, one‐way transfer approach. Meanwhile, the role of farmers' knowledge is gaining attention in the academic literature on agricultural extension, but yet overlooked in the applied Chinese context. These issues require a holistic analysis, towards, which systems principles can provide insights. We present a case study of the interaction between the national extension system and smallholder farmers in Guangxi, China. We found that the system constrains the autonomy and capacity of extension officers in implementing activities. Also, farmers actively exercise agency in identifying and responding to farming issues. We argue that the system should build the adaptive capacity of officers and farmers by fostering systems thinking to enable smallholder farmers to tackle farming complexity in a changing world.

Suggested Citation

  • Chengdong Liao & Helen Ross & Natalie Jones & Gomathy Palaniappan, 2024. "System lacks systems thinking: Top‐down organization and actor agency in China's agricultural extension system," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 82-99, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:41:y:2024:i:1:p:82-99
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2943
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