| This multidisciplinary study developed a conceptual framework to design proper agricultural extension approaches for Hispanic farmers, through a case-study of a group of Hispanic small-scale strawberry growers in the Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara, CA). Twenty eight farmers and one farm supervisor were interviewed in 2008 to identify: (1) current irrigation and nitrogen (N) management practices, needs and preferences of information/technical assistance delivery; (2) barriers to improve their agricultural performance; and (3) an appropriate extension approach. The results revealed that irrigation schedule, drip irrigation right after planting, salinity control, N timing applications and amounts of N applied, could be improved through extension efforts. The proposed conceptual framework is used to identify needs and extension potential on N management, and to develop an "effective" extension model. The framework considers: differentiation of farmers (it recognizes that Hispanic farmers are a heterogeneous group), farmers' needs within their context (current farming practices, perceived constraints, preferences, and internal and external barriers), and the extension potential given those circumstances and available resources. The lessons learned here are applicable to broader farmer audiences, and the framework could be used by extension specialists when trying to reach other Hispanic farmer populations, as well as other immigrant and/or disadvantaged farmers. Further research should study not only the factors determining adoption of improved technologies/practices and testing the proposed extension approaches, but also examine the extent to which these are really promoting sustainability of Hispanic small-scale farmers' operations. |
