Step 3: Detection of data required

Sourcing information and navigating the Scientific Cultural and Language barrier

Finding the information you need can be a challenge and you will probably need to consult scientific information.

Sourcing good, relevant scientific information is essential to any project, the main challenge is understanding this information.

Remember scientific information is written in a different working language.

Scientific information is shared within the scientific community via scientific journals.

To access these journals you have to pay a fee, or be a member, and it can be hard to source the information you need.

These articles are written in “scientific language” and can be difficult to understand if you are not a scientist trained in the subject.

Finally, your priorities as a farmer may be different to the priorities of scientists:

• scientists focus on theory and new technology that is just being tested
• farmers need practical information, already tested and ready for implementation

Different professional backgrounds are the reasons for these challenges and the scientists themselves are not to blame.

Change is occurring- organizations and individuals are now starting to bridge the gap between the scientific and agricultural communities by:

• translating scientific information so that everyone can understand it
• making new findings or technology more practically applicable
• acting as information distributors

More information on Scientific cultural differences, the challenges they pose, and real project examples.

Working with scientists to means you would receive the most up to date and relevant information for your project, here are some ways to attain a good working relationship with scientists, and to help in sourcing the information you need.

• Networking – Forming connections between different organisations or individuals with mutual interests can initiate a relationship involving information and knowledge sharing, collaboration and mutual benefit. (4.4.11 pg 101-102, appendix pg 44)
• Collaboration and cooperation - Naturally, good collaboration of the participants in a project as well as their cooperation in order to reach the same goals is an important process. (2.9.7 pg 21- 23, 4.4.12 pg 102-103, appendix pg 44)
• Education- Raise your own awareness, find out more about how other stakeholder groups work, and what their work entails. Knowing what is required of an individual in their job will help you decide what information would be most relevant to them, and areas in which they may need a more basic explanation. (thesis chapter 4.4.6 pg 92-93, appendix pg 43)
• Two-way communication- By making sure communication always allows for the participation of both or all parties, important feedback and valuable opinions will be heard, all perspectives should be valued. (2.8 pg 10-13, 4.4.1. pg 83-84, appendix pg 41)
• Target-audience based communication- Keep in mind who you are talking to, and adjust the way you convey your message accordingly. Different stakeholder groups have different interests and field of expertise. A message should be simple and concise when aimed at individuals who don’t share your background. (4.4.2. pg 85-86, appendix pg 41) – A great organisation who has perfected this technique is “Odling i balans” –link
• Trust building- Trust between partners is essential for the success of any project, it will ensure good relationships and is especially important when new roles have been assigned. Cultivating trust is a powerful way of vastly increasing your project’s chances of success (2.9.4 pg 19-20, 4.4.10 pg 98-99, appendix pg 44)
• Bridging Role Gaps- Having an individual or organisation with a diverse background work as a communicator and translator can bridge the gaps between different stakeholder groups, making communication smoother. This is of special importance with regards to communication with members of the scientific community and when sourcing scientific information. (2.9.3 pg 16-19, 4.4.3 pg 86-89, appendix pg 42)

Avoid misconceptions or stereotypical preconceptions about other stakeholder groups, these are often unfounded and are counterproductive. (2.9.5. pg 20-21)