Utilising learning theory to focus nutrition extension activity

Abstract

The More Profit from Crop Nutrition (MPCN) initiative (2012-2015) involved 35 nutrition research projects and three extension projects. These projects created and delivered both strategic and tactical soil fertility and plant nutrition knowledge. Strategic activities involve decisions made well ahead of time focussing on long-term profitability and sustainability. Tactical activities focus on short-term, in-season goals that guarantee current production (and support strategic goals). To address both these goals, an effective extension program requires extensive market research, comprehensive planning to contextualise what is being delivered and flexible multi-faceted delivery mechanisms over time. This paper reports on learnings from the MPCN northern region extension project, which engaged with over 7000 researchers, growers, advisors and industry representatives. The project achieved knowledge transfer and practice change by aligning information delivery of the right type, to the right people, at the right time, and in the right way.