Farmer/Scientist Focus Sessions: a how-to manual
When scientists seek to communicate to farmers, they use lectures, demonstrations and publications. When scientists seek to gather information from farmers they use surveys and focus groups. This paper discusses a third type of method, Farmer/Scientist Focus Sessions (FSFS) which can be used for a third purpose. FSFS facilitates a process of collaborative problem solving, and provides all participants with the potential to influence the thinking and action of others and discovering new approaches for themselves.