AHS Published Research for Fall 2023
The dedicated faculty members of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences have contributed to the academic landscape by authoring a multitude of insightful articles throughout the current quarter. Their commitment to research has led to the creation of a diverse body of work that showcases their expertise and furthers the collective understanding of agricultural, extension, and human sciences domains. We invite you to review the comprehensive list below, which highlights the titles and abstracts of their impactful publications. Additionally, for a deeper dive into their research, we encourage you to click on the provided links to access their respective studies.
Joseph Donaldson
Effectiveness of online program engagement for 4-H members during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lauren B. Hood, Christopher J. Eck, K. Dale Layfield and Joseph L. Donaldson
Abstract
Since 1902, 4-H Youth Development programs have been implemented by Cooperative Extension Agents or Educators for teaching, influencing, and leading youth to new life skills that can shape and influence their futures through hands-on learning methods. Fast forward to 2020 when 4-H programs shifted to virtual methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study and the overarching research question was to identify the perceptions of participants and their parent/guardian related to the virtual 4-H programming opportunities available to youth in South Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative inquiry was undergirded by the need for achievement theory. Focus group interviews of South Carolina 4-H participants revealed two overarching themes, including communication (before and during COVID-19) and impacts on involvement and retention. Overall, the majority of families interviewed for this study were pleased with their 4-H agent and volunteer’s impact and levels of communication during and post-COVID-19. State 4-H leaders are not only recommended, but highly encouraged, to establish best practices for virtual 4-H programming.
http://jsaer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/73-Hood-Eck-Layfield-Donaldson.pdf
Michael Schulman and Andrew Smolski
Navigating Farm Stress: Traumatic and Resilient Dimensions of the Black Agrarian Frame
Authors: Andrew R. Smolski and Michael D. Schulman
Abstract
The current period of economic and social instability in the farm economy has generated renewed interest in the framing processes used by farmers to interpret and ascribe blame for the distress they have experienced. Studies show that agrarian frames are differentiated into types based on farmers’ historical and contemporary racialized experiences. To investigate the role that agrarian frames play in navigating farm stress, we conducted a thematic analysis using data from interviews with 15 Black farmers from three Southern states. The results identify a Black Agrarian frame with two dimensions: traumatic and resilient. The traumatic dimension provides a system-blame narrative that highlights financial risk driven by institutions and racism as a core factor in farm stress. The resilient dimension describes collective action as a key coping strategy linked to understanding the farm as a multi-faceted asset. In conclusion, research on differentiated agrarian frames is an important component towards understanding how diverse populations navigate farm stress and the development of culturally appropriate resources for addressing it.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2023.2280090
Farmers’ Perceptions of Information and Resources for Navigating Economic Hardship and Stress
Authors: Andrew R. Smolski, Michael D. Schulman, Robin Tutor Marcom and Diamond Bynum
Abstract
The following report is based on results of a communityengaged research project coordinated by the Rural Advancement Foundation International – USA (RAFI-USA) with funding from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and outreach program (Grant #LS20-336). The project began in April 2020 as a collaboration between RAFI-USA, university partners, the Land Loss Prevention Project (LLPP), and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), along with farmer collaborators1 from various southern states. University partners for the project were the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute (NCAI) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). The major goal of the project was to understand the experiences of financial and emotional distress among farm households in NC, SC, and VA. A specific goal was to identify the resources that farmers undergoing distress found useful in negotiating the stress process. Additionally, the project sought to differentiate these experiences based upon race so that culturally-relevant resources could be developed in the future
https://attra.ncat.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Farmer-Well-Being-Report-RAFI.pdf
Carolyn Dunn
Enrollment, Engagement, and Effectiveness of a Large-scale Diabetes Prevention Program using Synchronous Distance Technology
Authors: Casey Collins, Erin McCallum, Kelly Nordby, Surabhi Aggarwal, Emily Griffith, Cathy Thomas and Carolyn Dunn
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that individuals with prediabetes are significantly less likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they participate in a lifestyle change program that results in at least 5% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The CDC recognizes distance learning as an effective delivery mode for lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess enrollment, engagement, and effectiveness of a type 2 diabetes prevention program (DPP) using synchronous distance technology. Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes (ESMMPD) is an intensive 12-month DPP delivered using synchronous distance technology. Throughout 26 lessons, participants focused on healthy eating, physical activity, and mindfulness behaviors. Study findings showed a significant decrease in A1C (-0.24 p<.0001). Weight loss averaged 5.66% for those who completed the program. Based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, participants demonstrated statistically significant changes in self-reported confidence in their ability to perform all 18 health-promoting behaviors assessed (p<.0001). Participation in the program also resulted in the adoption of health promoting behaviors. A DPP using synchronous distance technology is an effective delivery mode to help participants adopt healthy behaviors, increase physical activity, and achieve the weight loss necessary to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4540/4/4/51
Annie Hardison-Moody
Beyond Dietary Acculturation: How Latina Immigrants Navigate Exclusionary Systems to Feed Their Families
Authors: Sarah Bowen, Annie Hardison-Moody, Emilia Cordero Oceguera and Sinikka Elliott
Abstract
Previous studies of dietary acculturation explain how immigrants’ diets change over time, but they don’t tell us why. In response to calls for additional research on the complex social processes that shape health disparities, this study uses an intersectional approach to examine the role of food in the daily lives of 23 Latina immigrants living in North Carolina. Our findings, based on semi-structured interviews conducted over a five-year period, refute the idea of a unidirectional process in which immigrants abandon dietary customs from their home countries. Instead, we show how food decisions are complex, contradictory, and contextual. Latina immigrant mothers embraced and resisted parts of dominant food cultures. They strategically took risks and made tradeoffs to ensure that their families had enough food and the right kinds of food. However, political and economic structures limited their access to food and impeded their ability to autonomously make food decisions. We argue that an unequal and industrialized food system, restrictive and punitive immigration policies, and narrowly-defined food assistance programs infringe on immigrants’ ability to feed their families. By excluding and othering immigrant families, these structures reduce immigrants’ autonomy and perpetuate inequalities, contributing to what previous studies have described as dietary acculturation.
https://doi.org/10.1093/socpro/spad013
Maru Gonzalez
Youth storytelling for social change: Guiding questions for effective and ethical delivery
Authors: Maru Gonzalez, Michael Kokozos, N. Nyota, and Christy M. Byrd
Abstract
Storytelling is a powerful medium through which to nurture and amplify youths’ voices. When employed effectively and ethically, storytelling has been shown to foster connection, improve intergroup relations, promote socioemotional well-being, and motivate social action. Drawing on foundational research, Aristotle’s three rhetor- ical appeals, and our experience pilot testing the #PassTheMicYouth curriculum, we developed ten guiding questions for effective and ethical youth storytelling for social change. 4-H professionals can use these questions with youths to guide them through social impact storytelling creation and delivery.
Joy Morgan
Influencing the Next Agriculturalists: Impacts of Study Abroad Experiences in Agricultural Education Classrooms
Authors: Alyssa Degreenia, Joy Morgan and Melissa Hendrickson
Abstract
With the increasing globalization of companies and the workforce, specifically within the agricultural industry, educators seek to prepare workers with technical and soft skills that will allow employability in multicultural environments. Using the lens of Transformative Learning Theory and Self Determination Theory, we examined how a study abroad experience as an undergraduate student impacted agricultural educators′ motivation to incorporate global awareness into their curricula. A basic qualitative approach guided the study with twelve current agricultural educators to derive meaning and understanding from their experiences. Semi-structured interviews yielded the emergence of six themes: Power of Storytelling, Broadened Perspective, Influence of People, 21st Century Skills, Reflection and Application, and Food and Agriculture as a Universal Language. “A-ha” moments during their study abroad gave teachers the initial reflection leading to the need to apply international agriculture concepts within their curriculum. Today, these current teachers desire to lead their own students through those “a-ha” moments while also encouraging them to participate in a study abroad experience just as they were influenced to participate. Further, through their exposure to diverse perspectives, these teachers see the value in teaching students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/acter/cter/2023/00000048/00000002/art00005
Jay Jayaratne
Intercultural Competency Development Model for Extension Professionals: Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Technique
Authors: John M. Diaz, Cody Gusto, K.S.U Jayaratne, Lendel Narine, Colby Silvert, Cecilia Suarez, and Celina Wille
Abstract
To address concerns about the applicability of existing intercultural competence models to the Extension context, we aimed to develop a systematic intercultural competence framework tailored for Extension professionals through a collaborative and consensual process. A three-phased Delphi approach was utilized with a panel of 36 intercultural competence experts in Extension across academic disciplines to identify and finalize competencies thought to be necessary across career phases. The panel agreed upon 54 competencies in total with 13 competencies to develop in the first year, 37 competencies to develop in the first three years and four competencies in years two through seven.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol61/iss3/2/
Jay Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, Harriett Edwards, and Katherine McKee
Critical Competencies of 4-H Camp Staff for Achieving High Performance
Authors: Laura S. Jeuck, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, Harriett Edwards and Katherine McKee
Abstract
Camps provide a substantial opportunity for youth to develop important life skills. Identifying and training staff on critical competencies are essential to achieving the desired outcomes for camp participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the most critical competencies of the 4-H residential camp staff for achieving high staff performance. The modified Delphi technique was used to achieve study objectives. The Delphi panel of this study consisted of 23 4-H camping experts from across the United States. This three-round Delphi study led to identify 15 critical competencies that will be useful in standardizing 4-H camp staff training programs.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol61/iss2/7/
Misty Lambert
Drivers of farmers’ adoption of hermetic storage bags in Ghana
Authors: Namah Taku-Forchu, Misty D. Lambert, Michael S. Retallick, Jonathan D. Ulmer, and George P. Opit
Abstract
Post-harvest loss is a global challenge due to its serious threat to food security. Hermetic storage bags offer one way to combat the loss of food after harvest. The rate at which farmers adopt hermetic bags largely depends upon their access to information and training about the technology. The adoption of hermetic storage bags in Dormaa, Ghana, was the focus of this quantitative cross-sectional research study. This study sought to describe maize farmers’ perceptions of the hermetic storage bags in Dormaa, Ghana, based on the perceived innovation attributes and to ascertain farmers’ stages of adoption of the hermetic storage bags using Rogers’s (2003) innovation-decision model. A multistage systematic sampling technique was used to survey 217 maize farmers in four communities where maize production was the main economic activity. Data indicated that the largest group of farmers were at the confirmation stage of Rogers’ model. The logistic regression model was used to ascertain the influence of the innovation attributes on adoption. The findings reveal that of the five innovation characteristics, relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity are the key and significant drivers of the adoption of hermetic storage bags, with relative advantage and compatibility increasing the adoption likelihood and complexity reducing it. The study, therefore, recommends that communities lagging behind others in adoption should be targeted for additional training.
https://newprairiepress.org/jiaee/vol30/iss2/7/
Maize farmers’ use, preference, and trustworthiness of information sources and communication channels in Dormaa, Ghana: A gender comparison.
Authors: Namah Taku-Forchu, Shuyang Qu, Misty D. Lambert, Michael S. Retallick, Jonathan D. Ulmer, and George P. Opit
Abstract
The study aimed to identify maize farmers’ use, preference, and trustworthiness of the various information sources and communication channels farmers in Dormaa, Ghana, used to receive information about their farming activities. A questionnaire was developed, and data was collected from 217 maize farmers. The result revealed more males are involved in maize production than females. Most males indicated they received training in using hermetic bags more than female farmers. Respondents ranked Extension agents highest as the source from which they receive their farming information. Based on the level of preference for the information sources, the results show a statistically significant difference between male and female farmers’ preference for Extension agents, friends/neighbors, and church leaders, with male farmers preferring these information sources more than females. The result indicated a significant difference between male and female preferences for phone calls, with more males indicating they preferred telephone calls. The t-test results of farmers’ trustworthiness for the information sources revealed a significant difference between male and female farmers’ trustworthiness for fellow farmers, friends/neighbors, telephone calls, and posters/billboards for communication channels. Given that Extension professionals are the most preferred and trustworthy source of information, we recommend that the government and stakeholders organize extension training programs to strengthen local extension. We recommend greater women involvement and given strategic roles in the planning and organization of training programs.
https://newprairiepress.org/jac/vol107/iss3/4/
Travis Park, Misty Lambert, Joy Morgan, Wendy Warner, Joshua Bledsoe and Mary Kate Lanier
Welcoming the Next Generation of Ag Teachers
Authors: Travis Park, Misty Lambert, Joy Morgan, Wendy Warner, Mary Kate Lanier, Joshua Bledsoe and Stephen Edwards
Overview
Some speak of agricultural education as a “family.” Family might be a strong term for what we are. Without a doubt, agricultural education is certainly a community of professional educators who value youth and agriculture. Recruiting and retaining agriculture teachers into our community is a full-time, constant search for prospects who will become excellent agriculture teachers, colleagues, and friends…and maybe even family. Part of a person’s decision to teach agriculture, and continue teaching, may be influenced by the community of agricultural educators across various districts, states, and even the nation. Our state Teach Ag Task Force is focused on building community among agriculture teachers.
Andrew Smolski
Systemic Racism and the Food System
Authors: Andrew R. Smolski, Abbey E. Piner, Angel Cruz, Rebecca Shisler and Emma Brinkmeyer
Abstract
Racial inequality is (re)produced in a multitude of ways, reflective of the different components that make up social systems: structure, institution, culture, and agents. In the United States, we are socialized to focus only on the agent (personal/individual) scale. What happens when we include the other components of the United States’ social system in our understanding of how racial inequality is reproduced? This workshop actively engages participants to define systemic racism and its structural, institutional, and cultural components in reference to the food system through three activities. The first activity centers on disparities in farm land ownership based on Census of Agriculture data, inviting learners to compare their perception with official numbers to understand the extent of structural racism. The second activity focuses on discrimination in USDA programmatic support for socially disadvantaged farmers through the close reading of a government report, whereby participants learn about institutional racism as a power over the rules and economic support for Farmers of Color. The third activity highlights invisibilization in Farmer of Color representation, with students studying how cultural racism occurs in the images we utilize to describe who is a farmer. In each activity, learners obtain detailed pieces of information about the food system and types of data (statistical, documents, images). The facilitator frames discussion around key themes, as well as providing support for students when they collect and analyze the data. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a basic understanding of how systemic racism occurs in the food system. This curriculum was developed by four White-identifying and one White and Latina-identifying researchers, educators, and food system practitioners.
https://trails.asanet.org/article/view/systemic-racism-and-the-food
Applied Social Science as Tools for Change
Authors: Andrew R. Smolski, Abbey E. Piner, Angel Cruz, Rebecca Shisler and Emma Brinkmeyer
Abstract
Sociology provides important empirical tools for evaluating organizational progress toward racial equity. In food system work meant to address racial inequality, there is often an assumption that intent to not be racist translates into equitable consequences. Yet, there is a distinction between intent and outcome; therefore, one must move beyond intent to reveal the outcomes and consequences of actions meant to build a more equitable food system. This workshop’s central activity introduces one such tool to motivate critical organizational reflection and a change in action. This tool utilizes content analysis with a pre-established codebook to assess the framing of three sample project proposals. Content analysis is a systematic process of analyzing textual data to identify key themes The workshop begins with definitions of key terms: content analysis, qualitative data, code, and codebook. Next, the facilitator introduces and defines three models for intervening in the food system: charity, transition, and innovation/ justice. Students will read a pre-established codebook as homework, then in small groups, students will read three sample nonprofit food system project proposals and will be assigned one proposal to “audit” or examine. The facilitator will provide support for students as they analyze the data and will frame discussions around the activity’s key themes. By the end of the activity, students will have a basic understanding of how qualitative content analysis can support programs and indicate progress toward racial equity.
https://trails.asanet.org/article/view/applied-social-science-as-tools
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