Page 4 - Peer 2 Peer Learning Start-up kit

When connecting with farmers, there are two sides to it. The benefits you get, because farmers learn from other farmers—you get a trustworthy answer from someone that you rate on how to solve a problem. But the other thing is that when someone from within the group rings you with a problem and you can give them a possible solution that is really good for your wellbeing.
New Zealand farmer, action group member
Why form a peer-to-peer group, what are the benefits?
Research clearly shows that peer-to-peer groups help farmers: z bounce ideas off other farmers
z look to other farmers for ideas
z minimise the risk by talking to other farmers
z get advice that relates directly to their farm business
z work with people who listen to them
z do the basics well
z connect with others and realise they have the same or similar challenges and
z develop mentoring relationships (both as mentees and mentors).
The key success factors of peer-to-peer programs include:
z well trained, supported and committed facilitators chosen by the group
z high level of group trust
y more than one person per business attending the events
y group activities driven by the group—personalised and owned by the group members
z processes for accountability as individuals and as group
z recognition that people make decisions and change (especially complex change) but these can take time and adoption support
z focus on the how and why people do what they do
z activities that build the confidence to take action on their
farm
• structural support for the facilitated learning groups and facilitators
z funding for groups to operate.
4 | Peer-to-peer learning start-up kit