Construction of a typology of research-extension-farmer linkage models

LANDINI, FERNANDO; CONTI, SANTIAGO; VILLALBA, ANA

Rural Society

Taylor & Francis

Año: 2025 vol. 34 p. 1 - 17

1037-1656

Communication and coordinated work among agricultural researchers, extension agents and farmers is essential to promote innovation. In this article, we develop and present a typology of research-extension-farmers linkage models used by authors in their scholarly production. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive literature review in English, Portuguese and Spanish, and selected a corpus of 136 documents. We identified four linkage models: classical transfer of technology (ToT), moderate ToT with feedback, constructivist and pragmatic. These models are based on different scientific paradigms, communication theories, and academic thinking about innovation. They propose different power relationships among actors and recognise their agency and otherness in different degrees. The findings show continuities between the ToT models and important differences between the models that value the active participation of farmers. The results contribute to the theoretical discussion and help in the design of institutional strategies and public policies, professional training and critical thinking.