Co-Learning in a Constellation of Practice for Sustainable Agriculture in Times of Change

Abstract

Effective learning about climate change would enhance the adaptation and resilience of small-scale farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture and whose other socioeconomic activities are anchored on natural resources. This study adopted Lave and Wenger's (1991) communities of practice (CoP) to outline ways of learning and training for small-scale farmers in changing times, showing who is doing what, with whom, under what conditions and with what outcomes. Data was collected through individual interviews with seven small-scale farmers, two farmer-support organisations and three government extension officers in one of the most climate-vulnerable districts in South Africa, the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape province. Additional group interviews with ten farmers illuminated farmer-to-farmer learning relationships. Increased technological penetration and limited face-to-face interaction because of COVID-19 transformed a localised CoP of small-scale farmers into a broad group of practitioners of varying practices and interests. The change exposed members to more learning opportunities, knowledge, and skills for adaptation and resilience, but the gains did not always meet the realities of small-scale farmers. Effective climate change learning and practice in expanding CoP networks requires CoPs to remain committed to their domains, shared repertoire, and the practical realities of their members.