Overcoming the Knowledge to Action Gap
1 August 2021 - 31 March 2023
PI/s in Exeter: Professor Matt Lobley
CI/s in Exeter: Dr Rebecca Wheeler, Professor Michael Winter
Research partners: LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and FERA
Funding awarded: £51294
Sponsor(s): Forest Research
About the research
This project is based on observations from previous studies
indicating that land managers (including farmers) are aware of the tree pest
and disease threats and issues they might face, but sometimes lack the ability
to translate this knowledge into action (mitigation, treatment, recovery etc.).
This is due to a difficult information “landscape” which is challenging to
navigate and apply to specific contexts. For this project, we aim to develop
interventions and strategies effective in closing the knowledge action gap, and
to test and evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions.
The tree health community has not always managed to
effectively connect with farmers on such issues. We therefore aim to improve
our understanding of the different types of farmer audiences of relevance to
tree health, and to investigate their awareness, needs and interests
etc. This will help us co-develop an effective solution / intervention with
research partners and end users.