An on-farm trial is a practical research method taking place in real life conditions and where the farmer’s needs and perspectives are at the heart of the process; different actors bring their know-how, resources and perspectives to explore a specific challenge and find solutions.
Why test it? This type of research has many benefits!
- User-led exploration of challenges and solutions in real life conditions: on-farm trials explore farmers’ challenges in real life conditions. The focus is on farmers’ problems to be solved and depends on their input, physical space and everyday practices to explore answers and identify the best options. The farmers’ practical experience is key to identify useful and implementable solutions, weeding out the ones that are not likely to be used in real life.
- Leverage varied actors’ perspectives, know-how and resources: this kind of research brings together different actors -farmers, researchers, advisors amongst others- with varied perspectives, knowledge and resources to support finding practical solutions to complex problems.
- Derisking innovation and finding customised solutions: by testing ideas across fields or farms with minor conditions variations risk is spread and the same idea can be tested many times in one season. Once the trials are over, participants can compare the results of these slightly different approaches or conditions and opt for the one best suited to each user’s reality -rather than the traditional “one-size fits all” approach.
- Different learning tools mean better engagement across the board: on field trials you can learn by listening to ideas, talking about solutions, seeing them in action or testing them directly; regardless of your learning style, there will be something for you! In addition, the social aspect of learning means there are better chances for engagement and for the solutions to be shared and implemented!
- Creating trust and long-term relations: outside support when you are testing new ideas is critical to continue even when things are not looking good. This kind of research connects like-minded people, strengthening links and ensuring support.
- Spreading the knowledge! By working on a group of varied partners you can access a wider variety of networks which might otherwise be hard to reach. Make sure to share what you've learnt with them! They might have interesting feedback that complements your results, open up new research avenues and/or be a great group of like-minded people to engage with.
To make the most of all these benefits you should also consider some of the challenges and how to address them.
These trials take time and maintaining the engagement from different participants across months and/or years is a challenge! To address this, having a facilitator to keep the process going and participants engaged pays off! these are long term projects, and actors can become tired or disengaged. That is why having someone in charge of keeping participants up to date about next steps, ensuring activities take place at the right time and keeps communication and energy going really helps.
Many participants also means potentially different goals which can dilute focus; allocate enough time at the beginning of the process to know each other, build trust and agree on a shared goal for the project. The group could be so eager to get started with the testing that not enough time is allocated to making sure there is agreement on the idea, purpose and goals. However, clarity about what you want to achieve and what for helps to maintain focus as the process develops, ensuring you don’t lose direction as knowledge, ideas and resources start flying around. Agreeing on a clear plan also helps a lot! Once you get started implementing the ideas, life often gets in the way: stressful times and condition changes could make it hard to keep consistancy through the process. Having a well communicated, clear plan on what the trial will be, what data needs to be collated and prepare for any challenges makes it easier for participants to follow through.
You will need the right knowledge in different areas to make it happen. Some are obvious, like the academic and technical know-how. Others, like trial design or data management, are less obvious but equally relevant. Make sure that, based on your goals, you explore your networks and bring along the right actors, knowledge and resources. Engaging with external actos is also useful as people not involved in the process can shine a light on specific areas you have not considered and bring more knowledge without being personally involved.
To engage them explore your networks and think of ways to share your process and results with like-minded individuals. It can be as easy as talking to your neighbour, or more complex like a webinar or on-farm visit during the trial or once it is over!
If you think an on-farm is something you'd like to try, keep in mind these benefits and challenges; and consider checking these 10 top tips for effective facilitation! and check ADAS' On-farm trials: five principles for success guide.
