I am not a social scientist but the simple answer is that researchers should interact with farmers, engage them in discussions. Understand their challenges, the local context and farmers' opinions about the issues they face. Sometimes, they have ideas about the right solution to their problems. Researchers should not think they know it all but should capitalize on indigenous knowledge. Through the 'participation' of targeted beneficiaries in our research, we can do research that responds to local need/situation and the results will definitely be taken up. Now participation is deep and not just one time workshop 'to fulfill requirements'
Researchers are often impatient, driven by donors' call, sit in their offices and imagine local situation, do research to get their papers published and salary paid (a kind of survival strategy) not really to make a difference in the lives of people. Quite often, research studies are focused on one part of the whole. Not just the fault of researchers anyway but the system in which he/she operates.
I am not a social scientist but the simple answer is that researchers should interact with farmers, engage them in discussions. Understand their challenges, the local context and farmers' opinions about the issues they face. Sometimes, they have ideas about the right solution to their problems. Researchers should not think they know it all but should capitalize on indigenous knowledge. Through the 'participation' of targeted beneficiaries in our research, we can do research that responds to local need/situation and the results will definitely be taken up. Now participation is deep and not just one time workshop 'to fulfill requirements'
Researchers are often impatient, driven by donors' call, sit in their offices and imagine local situation, do research to get their papers published and salary paid (a kind of survival strategy) not really to make a difference in the lives of people. Quite often, research studies are focused on one part of the whole. Not just the fault of researchers anyway but the system in which he/she operates.