Abstract

RENDON MEDEL, Roberto; ROLDAN SUAREZ, Elizabeth; CRUZ CASTILLO, Juan Guillermo  and  DIAZ JOSE, Julio. Criteria for identifying demonstration modules. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.spe15, pp.2939-2948. ISSN 2007-0934.

Demonstrative modules have been an important means of technology transfer. In Mexico, they are considered a policy strategy to spread new knowledge. The importance is that these modules are tested, adjusted, validated and transferred new practices, as well as serving as media of diffusion. The aim of this study was to identify the criteria used by a technical advisor for the establishment of demonstration modules. For this, a questionnaire was applied to 76 technical advisers to the sustainable modernization initiative of traditional agriculture and the program of support to the productive chain of producers of corn and beans in 2012. A principal component analysis revealed that the selection of these modules is based on regulatory criteria (17.6% of variance explained); accessibility and location of the plot where the module (11.5%) is established; inherent attributes the producer and the power of conviction and be referred by their peers (10.05%); the level of capitalization producer (8%); and finally the diffusion potential that has the producer (7.2%). The main conclusion is that the aspects considered in the selection of modules, are not related to the function of integrating the research, production and dissemination of innovations, because a selection must integrate other aspects of social interaction of producers, ability to undertake radical changes in the production system and the disposition to share information to other producers.

Keywords : demonstration module; extension; technical assistance and training.

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