| Since World War II, community and agricultural development literature and practices have evolved from a technical-rational approach based on top-down procedures where scientists and practitioners had the authority to name the problems to be solved, to study them in isolation, and to design solutions; to more participatory practices that seek the involvement of community members in the design and implementation of projects, and which consider the interrelatedness of the environment, economy and social issues involved in any development effort (Behr et al., 1998; Chambers, 1997; Ewert & Grace, 2000; Gamble & Weil, 1997; Hassanein, 1999). In spite of these advancements, there is an assumption in both development approaches that the practitioner is more interested in procedures and perfected techniques, rather than considering ways to frame problems and understand the conduct of the actors involved (Cleaver, 1999).; The purpose of this study was to explore how the members of a participatory sustainable agriculture development effort constructed and maintained their group on a level of what Giddens (1979) calls practical consciousness. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, journal notes, project documents, meeting minutes, and meeting transcripts. Adhering to a qualitative, interpretive inquiry paradigm, the study shows how members constructed and maintained their organization by adhering to two sets of organizational tactics. The first set, which served to build group solidarity, cohesion and a sense of identity, included such tactics as going around the circle, brainstorming, exercising consideration, and joking. The second set, which served to facilitate action, included the tactics of rejecting hierarchy and structure, and being proactive and positive.; This study confirms the theoretical framework outlined by Cervero and Wilson, profiles an emerging group of alternative farmers, shows how this group negotiated for a position in the broader agricultural community, as well as documents the role that I filled as both a practitioner and researcher working with the organization. |
