The applicability of the major social science paradigms to the study of the agricultural knowledge and information systems of small-scale farmers.
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Abstract
The social sciences offer a rich array of paradigms within which to locate
agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS) research. This article
provides an overview of the major paradigms in the social sciences, identifying
those which offer a lens through which the AKISs of small-scale farmers can be
viewed. It is based on a review and analysis of the paradigms, perspectives and
approaches that are appropriate for studying different facets of an AKIS. These
systems are complex by nature but Social constructivism, Phenomenology,
Interpretive and Participatory paradigms make possible a pluralistic and
compatibilist approach that provides the necessary logic and harmony for such
a study. A systems approach, mixed methods methodology and multiple data
collection methods can be used to improve understanding of AKISs of this type.
A pragmatic paradigmatic stance is recommended to guide the design for a
comprehensive study of the AKISs of small-scale farmers in developing
countries.