The agroforestry academy: assessing long-term outcomes and impacts of a model training program

Abstract

Rates of adoption of temperate-region agroforestry remain low, despite multiple benefits. To develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between agroforestry learning and adoption, it is necessary to examine agroforestry educational programming in context. This study represents the first follow-up effort with past participants in the Agroforestry Academy, a week-long temperate agroforestry training program for natural resource professionals and farmers hosted by the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry each year. Objectives were to assess participant learning and adoption outcomes, to understand which learning experiences contributed most meaningfully to adoption, and to recommend changes to Agroforestry Academy programming. While the majority of past participants have adopted agroforestry in some form, results showed that farmer and non-farmer learners approach agroforestry education with differing needs, goals, and implementation contexts. Facilitation of mixed knowledge networks emerged as a key area in which the Academy could increase support for both farmer and non-farmer agroforestry adoption and represents an area for further research.