University of Guelph hosted OJS journals
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Rural Communities and ICT: Comparisons from the Community Informatics Experience
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Evolution of the Headwaters Region (Caledon/Dufferin/Erin & King) as a Centre of Equine Excellence: From Strategy to REAL Regional Economic Development & Creative Community Engagement
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What Makes the Rains? Integrating Satellite Precipitation Data Alongside Rural Farmer’s Perspectives on Indigenous Rain Making Ceremonies
No full textIn this paper we present emerging data from interdisciplinary research incorporating twenty years of precipitation estimates obtained from satellite data sets alongside recent ethnographic interviews with rural farmers involved in a Zimbabwe-Canada rural development initiative. Drawing on satellite data and psychosocial interview data we explore features of community-level adaptation to chronic drought and the implications for social cohesion, managing latent social conflict, and promoting research uptake related to multi-site conservation agriculture projects. We conclude by reflecting on the challenges and opportunities inherent in interfacing technological epistemologies alongside Indigenous ways of knowing and discuss the implications for balancing cross-cultural approaches to data sovereignty with responsive climate adaptation policy
Dual Challenge of Climate Change and Misinformation: How Misinformation Shapes Vulnerability and Adaptation in Rural Communities in Pakistan
No full textIn climate-vulnerable regions such as Pakistan, timely and accurate information is crucial for agricultural decision-making. However, misinformation has become a significant barrier to climate change adaptation, particularly in rural Punjab where farming communities depend heavily on institutional services. This study reinterprets the Model of Proactive Private Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC) by expanding the concept of social discourse to include misinformation as a central influencing factor. The research investigates how misinformation shapes climate change perception, perceived vulnerability, and adaptive capacity among rural farmers in Pakistan, with the aim of improving understanding and informing policy for more effective adaptation strategies.
A mixed-methods design was employed, combining household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in a highly climate-vulnerable region. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The study was guided by an enriched version of the MPPACC framework.
Results show that access to credible agricultural information improves farmers’ perception of climate trends, whereas misinformation—particularly from informal sources—distorts risk perception and heightens vulnerability. Offline misinformation negatively influenced temperature perception, while digital misinformation had a stronger effect on off-farm adaptation capacity. Overall, misinformation intensified perceived vulnerability and reduced adaptive capacity.
The study extends the MPPACC model by demonstrating that misinformation functions as both a structural and cognitive constraint within social discourse. This reconceptualization highlights the importance of information ecosystems, not solely physical or economic factors, in shaping adaptation behaviors. Practically, the findings emphasize that strengthening extension services, promoting digital literacy, and countering misinformation through localized, trusted networks can significantly enhance farmers’ adaptive decision-making. Policymakers and development practitioners should prioritize accurate and accessible communication strategies as a core component of climate resilience efforts in rural settings
Addressing Information Disorder on Climate-Smart Agriculture: Rethinking Advisory and Extension Services for Sustainable Rural Development in Nigeria
No full textThe usefulness of Climate Smart Agriculture is becoming very important in making the agri-food sector stronger and more sustainable in the midst of climate change. Although Nigerian farmers are adopting CSA practices, the adoption is hindered by information disorder, which encompasses misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. This can alter the access to information available to farmers in the region, weaken extension officers’ advisory efforts, and lead to a reduction in trust in the adoption of innovations in farming. This study, therefore, explores how information disorder affects CSA communication in Oyo State, Nigeria, and also looks into different strategies for transforming agricultural extension efforts with a focus on extant Extension 4.0. This study utilized a mixed method of research by combining survey data and interview responses from smallholder farmers, extension officers, and agricultural communication experts. SPSS and NVivo were used to analyze data and identify patterns as well as comments from respondents. Findings show that social media, farmers\u27 groups, and unverified digital content were the major sources of information. It was revealed that these sources contributed to doubt of farmers towards CSA messages and increased the credibility gap between farmers and extension officers. Moreover, the study emphasized major challenges such as low digital literacy, insufficient regulatory oversight critical challenges such as low digital literacy, weak regulatory oversight, and limited participatory mechanisms in the current extension framework. Lessons were also drawn from Canadian advisory models with comparative ideas on cross-sectoral collaboration and media literacy integration. The study concluded that combating information disorder requires a reimagination of local communication systems. This entails the incorporation of digital knowledge and advisory strategies that are community-driven and evidence-based
Dual Challenge of Climate Change and Misinformation: How Misinformation Shapes Vulnerability and Adaptation in Rural Communities in Pakistan
No full textSouth Asia is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, with rural farming communities facing increasing exposure to climatic stressors and constrained adaptive capacity. In Pakistan, where agriculture remains the primary livelihood for a large rural population, adaptation to climate change depends not only on economic and institutional resources but also on access to credible climate information. This study examines how misinformation influences climate risk perception, perceived vulnerability, and adaptive decision-making among smallholder farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The study is grounded in the Model of Proactive Private Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC) and extends this framework by conceptualizing misinformation as a cognitive and structural barrier embedded within farmers’ information environments. A mixed-methods research design was employed in Dera Ghazi Khan, a socially marginalized and climate-sensitive district. Quantitative data were collected through a household survey of 202 farming households and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Qualitative data were generated through five focus group discussions and ten key informant interviews with extension agents, community leaders, and local intermediaries and analyzed using thematic analysis.
The findings show that misinformation distorts farmers’ perceptions of climate trends and risks, leading to misinterpretation of climatic changes. Exposure to misinformation contributes to heightened perceived vulnerability, fatalism, and declining trust in institutional actors, which together weaken adaptive capacity and reduce the adoption of climate-smart practices. By integrating misinformation into the MPPACC framework, the study advances adaptation theory and highlights the need to strengthen extension services, promote literacy, and treat information systems as a component of resilience policy
Les bibliothèques sur la Colline: une étude exploratoire des initiatives de défense des intérêts des associations de bibliothèques canadiennes: An Exploratory Study of Canadian Library Associations Advocacy Initiatives
No full textThis exploratory study analyzes the advocacy practices and outputs of three national associations representing libraries and organizations of various types: the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations-Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB). Data was collected from a variety of sources, including the associations’ websites, records of federal government consultations and lobbying activities. A thematic analysis was conducted using open coding and visual theme mapping, and the results analyzed using Schein’s model for understanding organizational culture. The results provide important insights into publicly available advocacy work by these associations since 2016. By providing the first step of quantifying advocacy work by Canadian library associations, this study lays the groundwork for further investigation to explore the impact of library association advocacy and to identify successful patterns and strategies for advocacy initiatives in the future.Cette étude exploratoire examine les pratiques et les résultats de trois associations nationales représentant divers types de bibliothèques et d’organismes: l’Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada (ABRC), le Conseil des bibliothèques urbaines du Canada (CBUC) et la Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (FCAB). Les données proviennent de diverses sources y compris les sites Web des associations, les dossiers des consultations avec le gouvernement fédéral et les activités de lobbying. Une analyse thématique a été réalisée à l’aide d’un codage ouvert ainsi que d’une cartographie visuelle des thèmes et les résultats ont été analysés grâce au modèle de compréhension de culture organisationnelle de Schein. Les résultats fournissent des informations importantes sur les activités de lobbying publiquement disponibles de ces associations depuis 2016. En constituant la première étape quant à l’examen du travail de défense des intérêts des associations de bibliothèques canadiennes, cette étude fournit une base pour des recherches à venir cherchant à explorer l’impact du travail de défense des intérêts des associations de bibliothèques et à identifier des tendances et des stratégies réussies pour les initiatives de défense des intérêts à venir
Abstracts from 2025 Rural Research Symposium
No full textThis document contains the abstracts for all oral and poster presentations shared at the 2025 Rural Research Symposium. 
Addressing the Housing Policy Divide: A Study of International Agricultural Worker Accommodation Standards in Ontario
No full textHousing conditions for International Agricultural Workers across Ontario municipalities reveal concerning inconsistencies in standards and enforcement. This study examines the regulatory framework governing worker housing in Southwestern Ontario, highlighting critical gaps between provincial policy directives and municipal implementation. Through document analysis of the Provincial Policy Statement and semi-structured interviews with municipal stakeholders, we identify systemic barriers to establishing consistent housing standards. Our thematic analysis reveals three key challenges: the absence of standardized provincial guidelines, inconsistent municipal approaches to housing regulations, and limited policy direction within the Provincial Policy Statement regarding agricultural worker accommodation. The research findings point to necessary policy reforms at both provincial and municipal levels. Recommendations include strengthening the Provincial Policy Statement with explicit standards for agricultural worker housing, enhancing provincial oversight of municipal housing regulations, and developing targeted resources for local enforcement. For planning practitioners, the study suggests proactive engagement with worker advocacy groups and regular review of municipal bylaws to ensure housing standards meet worker needs. These insights offer a foundation for developing more equitable housing policies that recognize the essential role of International Agricultural Workers in Ontario\u27s agricultural sector
Workforce Development in Rural Ontario: An Examination of Experiences and Strategies
No full textThis study examines workforce development strategies in rural Ontario aimed at addressing skill gaps and labor shortages in key industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. Rural areas face unique challenges, including inadequate training options, youth outmigration, and an aging population. These initiatives, involving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and local organizations, strive to align workforce competencies with industry demands. The research employs both quantitative analysis of employment statistics and qualitative interviews. Findings indicate that these strategies and programs enhance economic stability, workforce retention, and employment rates. Key components of success include policies that attract newcomers, strong collaborations, and customized training programs. The study suggests that these workforce development initiatives can serve as models for other rural areas, highlighting their potential for fostering economic resilience. Future research could explore the long-term impacts and effectiveness of similar programs across various industries, offering valuable insights for community leaders and policymakers globally