Browsing by Author "Gunter, J."

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    Agricultural mindsets across social networks in four African countries
    Moore, Keith M.; Fornito, M.; Gunter, J.; Lamb, Jennifer; Sikuku, Dominic Ngosia; Shibonji, D.; Bashaasha, Bernard; Marake, Makoala V.; Keita, Moussa; Lambert, Dayton M.; Norton, James B. (2014)
    This PowerPoint presents research examining agricultural mindsets and social networks in Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, and Mali. It identifies three agricultural mindsets exist which characterize farmer goals, values, and identities. These are: conventional agriculture (market-oriented production involving mechanical implements, agrochemical use and mono-cropping), risk-averse agriculture (livelihood diversification, distribution of risk, avoidance of market dependence), and conservation agriculture (minimal tillage, maintaining a soil cover and crop rotations). Mindsets of farmers and non-farm agents are explored through survey data. Relationships between actors, and mindsets of key actors are displayed in maps of social networks in Kenya and Uganda. The presentation concludes by emphasizing that agro-ecological, socio-cultural, and historical context matters, and calls for the development of an innovation system that is catalyzed by innovation brokers.
  • Innovation networks and social contagion in East Africa
    Gunter, J.; Rivers, Caitlin; Eubank, Stephen; Moore, Keith M.; Kuhlman, C.; Lamb, Jennifer Nicole; Norton, James B.; Omondi, Emmanuel C.; Ojok, R. L.; Sikuku, Dominic Ngosia; Ashilenje, Dennis S.; Odera, J. (2012)
    This study seeks to understand the pathway by which new technology and the associated knowledge passes through community networks in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Previous research in the region emphasizes the importance of community support to promote widespread adoption of Conservation Agriculture practices. We will simulate complex contagions of information in these networks using the simulation platform EpiSimdemics. This work complements and expands on the growing body of research that uses network analysis to study the effects of network structure and social contagion on complex health and social systems.
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    Short course in social network analysis
    Moore, Keith M.; Gunter, J. (2013)
    The week-long short-course was designed to introduce participants to the theory, applications, and methods of social network analysis (SNA). SNA is currently becoming a popular approach to analyzing a wide range of social and biophysical relationships. However, it has a long history and has evolved along various disciplinary pathways. The workshop introduced basic SNA terminology and concepts (egos and alters, structural equivalence/roles, network density, degree and betweenness centralities, etc.). Participants were familiarized with various theoretical perspectives and approaches. The potentials of these modes of explanation were investigated through review of real world applications and workshop exercises. The workshop also addressed SNA research methodologies, including how to design survey instruments and develop sampling frameworks, through data collection and analysis, and the development of visual presentations. Workshop exercises created a learning-while-doing environment.