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2025 JIAEE Special Issue

Introduction

Agricultural and Extension Education has historically played a crucial role in shaping societies worldwide. Throughout history, field experts and practitioners have dedicated themselves to addressing critical issues at local, regional, and international levels. This dedication has led to the establishment of well-established traditions in both scholarship and practice.

Still, in today's rapidly changing world characterized by evolving cultures, complex political landscapes, and rapid advancement, the field must continuously adapt to remain relevant. As such, we should continue to critically examine our current approaches, asking fundamental questions such as:

• Are our existing theories, frameworks, and practices still applicable in the contemporary context?
• Who are the emerging scholars driving innovation and advancement within our profession?
• What new research and practical innovations are essential to enhance our practice and improve the quality of life for those we serve?

This special edition of JIAEE showcases cutting-edge theories and research, featuring articles that explore innovative concepts, theories, and practices with the purpose of challenging our thought processes – all while advancing the field of Agricultural Extension and Education.

The issue begins with a series of articles that introduce and analyze novel theoretical frameworks directly applicable to the profession. The first article challenges the field to critically examine the underlying cognitive, emotional, and social processes at work in international agricultural extension and community education settings. The authors present five innovative frameworks that illuminate the complex cognitive and emotional experiences of extension professionals and the intricate dynamics of engaging diverse communities. These frameworks are then illustrated through relevant case studies.

Continuing our focus on individual and group dynamics, the next article delves into the identity development of agricultural educators. Specifically, the authors meticulously outline strategies for fostering cultural growth and enhancing educators' abilities to effectively engage with an increasingly diverse population. The concept of "multicultural autonomy" is introduced as a key element in this process.

Next, we are invited to explore the crucial role of international extension educators in utilizing and translating big data within the realms of agriculture and natural resources. The authors effectively illustrate the characteristics and ecosystems of big data while thoughtfully addressing the ethical and social implications of applying big data findings within the profession.

Towards the end of the first collection, we move into two important research notes. In the first one, we encounter an insightful article delving into the origins, purpose, and evolution of the widely used Delphi research method. The authors present a compelling discussion analyzing the professional utility and potential misuse of this method, ultimately offering valuable recommendations for its effective use in the field. Concluding this initial section, we find a second research note examining the applicability of platform theory within the context of agricultural communication. The authors convincingly argue for the value of platform theory in providing a succinct understanding of complex communication platforms prevalent in contemporary approaches.

For the next section, the special issue then shifts its focus to the practical application of promising theories and frameworks within specific international contexts, both conceptually and empirically. So, grab your passport and let’s go!

In the first article within this collection, the authors apply the Borich approach to assess the importance and perceived skill levels of extension professionals. The study findings challenge the current U.S. Extension system to move beyond a unidirectional model of technological and informational transfer towards a more collaborative and stakeholder-engaged approach, which ultimately could significantly impact the philosophy and practices of extension professionals.

Next, we find three articles all focused on innovative international practices and students. We begin by taking a journey “across the pond” to explore the effectiveness of innovative online group discussions among Irish undergraduate students. Focusing on sustainable grassland management innovations, the study demonstrates that engaging in collective virtual discussions within a higher education setting can positively influence student behavior towards traditional grassland management practices. Continuing our exploration of innovative international practices that involve University students, we present an article investigating the motivations of rural Colombian students to participate in an international exchange program to the United States. The authors provide a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of the political, university, and cultural implications of implementing student exchange programs within the context of international agricultural extension and education. In the final article, the authors examine the learning and critical thinking styles of Nepalese agricultural education students. The findings reveal significant gender differences in critical thinking styles and underscore the importance of rigorously testing new and contemporary conceptual models to effectively meet the diverse learning needs of students worldwide. In each of these articles, it is clear that utilizing innovative education practices are making a difference in how we engage with students.

For the next article, we journey to St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh, where the authors investigate the factors influencing environmental decision-making among various stakeholders in the face of environmental degradation. Their research provides valuable insights for international extension professionals seeking to mitigate environmental damage, including recommendations for future research on effective stakeholder engagement and environmental decision-making processes.

Departing from Bangladesh, we travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to examine ongoing challenges in agricultural pest management. The researchers employed a holistic and participatory approach, utilizing the Distinctions, Systems, Relationships and Perspectives (DSRP) framework to enhance inclusivity among participants.

Finally, we conclude this special issue with a research note focusing on women in least developed countries (LDCs), and their experiences with purposeful education regarding pest management and pesticide use. Based on their research, the authors offer evidence-based strategies to empower extension educators when working with women to better understand and mitigate the safety risks associated with pesticide application, ultimately promoting greater equity for women in agriculture.

Having embarked on this global journey through the diverse research presented in this special issue, we hope it will spark insightful discussions, debates, critical reflections, etm. within the field. The authors have shared with us numerous innovative theoretical and conceptual frameworks while showcasing cutting-edge scholarship and best practices that will guide our profession well into the 21st century. Through these scholarly advancements and effective strategies, perhaps we all can work together towards enhancing the quality of life and well-being of communities worldwide.

Happy Reading!

Special Issue Editors – Drs. Bryan Hains & Kristina Hains