Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Supporting farmers’ involvement in discussions by using voting apps

Targeting real-time needs, problems, or opportunities of the end-users is defined as one of the key elements that support multi-actor projects becoming successful. In practice, it might be challenging retrieving feedback from farmers and foresters, which are defined as the most important end-users.

Events, such as workshops, study events, … are, in general, excellent occasions to collect the valuable farmers’ and foresters’ input. However, farmers and foresters might show restraint in participating in discussions, especially in larger groups. Voting apps might offer an exciting way to act as an ‘ice –breaker’ and support farmers’ and foresters’ active involvement in meetings and discussions. In general, the facilitator of the meeting or presentation posts a series of questions. Participants will answer the questions one by one and the outcomes will appear in real-time initiating the discussions.

Some practical recommendations when using mobile voting apps:

• Provide a slide or small paper with the website or app and the entrance code.

• Keep the first question simple as participants still need to become familiar with the tool; it is also a teaser for farmers’ still doubting to participate. In general, the number of participants increases after 1 or 2 questions.

• Define questions very well and think about the kind of feedback you want to receive. This will define the type of answers you will allow (open-ended questions or categories).

• Limit the number of questions!

• Provide enough time for discussion as you want your participants' feedback. Provide at least 5 minutes per question.

• Be prepared for unexpected outcomes and make yourself, as a facilitator, familiar with how to react on these.

Source Project
EURAKNOS
Ongoing | 2019-2021
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Belgium
Project details

Project Keywords