Author Identifier (ORCID)
Janine Joyce: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5849-5646
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the factors and processes that sustain the efficacy of farmer groups as extension intermediaries for influencing collective innovation, and knowledge co-creation and exchange. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected from farmer interviews, focus groups, and the published digital documents of five farmer groups across SE Australia. A grounded theory mixed-methods approach was used for data collection and analysis, aided by Atlas software in constructing concepts and a concept map representing group processes. Findings: The ability of groups to influence farm innovation, and farmer learning and knowledge co-creation, depends on the group efficacy. Group identity in advancing farmer interests and collective influence were the strongest contributors to group efficacy. Diagnostic criteria were developed by which to evaluate the efficacy of farmer groups. Practical implication: The findings provide actionable insights for forming and enhancing farmer groups in similar socio-ecological contexts, enabling them to more effectively influence farmer learning and innovation. Theoretical implications: Theories of complexity, optimal distinctiveness, and social interdependence are crucial to the efficacy of farmer groups for successful agricultural extension. Originality: This study identifies factors and processes that sustains group efficacy and influence in enhancing farmer learning and innovation.
Keywords
Australian farmer groups, farmer identity interests, group efficacy, learning communities, self-organising groups, theory of optimal distinctiveness
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
Centre for People, Place and Planet
RAS ID
94290
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Mckenzie, D. K., Joyce, J., Zander, K. K., Wurm, P. a. S., & Caudwell, K. M. (2026). Success criteria: Sustainable efficacy in Australian farmer groups. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2026.2648190