The IDEMS Podcast

Lucie Hazelgrove Planel and Roger Stern consider the importance of multilevel data in agricultural research. They discuss the concept of measurement units at different levels, such as individual, household, community, and village, and the challenges faced when dealing with multilevel data in practice. Using an example of a student’s experiment on tadpoles, they illustrate key principles in determining appropriate experimental design and data analysis.

In this episode, Lily Clements and David Stern discuss the “Tricot” method for participatory breeding trials. Short for “Triadic Comparisons of Technologies”, Tricot involves farmers testing three crop varieties and ranking them based on qualitative measures. They reflect on a recent workshop aimed at simplifying this complex analysis using custom R packages and the R-Instat software.

Lucie and Roger continue their discussions of research methods for agriculture, this time focusing on on-farm trials. They consider the benefits and challenges of conducting research on farms versus research stations, emphasizing the importance of farmer involvement in the research process. They consider the innovative “Tricot” method, which tests multiple crop varieties with minimal control from researchers to increase real-world applicability.

In this episode, David and Santiago debate the 'Dead Internet' Theory, which claims that AI-generated content will dominate the internet, making it less reliable. David challenges this theory, emphasizing the need for digital literacy, responsible use of AI, and the complex nature of trust in institutions versus individuals. They also discuss the implications of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking in society.

In this episode, Lucie interviews Roger about essential aspects of agricultural statistical experiments. They discuss treatment, layout, and measurement, using an irrigation and maize variety case study. Roger emphasises the importance of clear objectives and balancing statistical rigour with practical agricultural considerations.

In this episode, Lily and George discuss the nuances and differences between statistical and mathematical modelling. They explore how each field approaches modelling, and touch on hybrid models that incorporate both statistical and mathematical elements, and the significance of uncertainty in modelling predictions.

In this episode, Lucie and Roger discuss planning agricultural research, highlighting on-station and on-farm trials. They emphasize integrating diverse data collection methods, farmer involvement, and balancing research design and farmer participation.

In this episode, Lily and George discuss their journeys from their PhD to IDEMS’ Postdoctoral Impact Activation Fellowship. Lily also describes her transition to a permanent role while George describes what he imagines his transition might be like. An informal chat that reveals two different enough yet similar experiences joining IDEMS.

In this episode, Lucie talks to Roger about his work in agricultural research methods. Roger shares his experience with CCRP, the shift from on-station to on-farm research, the role of farmers' organizations, and advancements in data collection and analysis.

In this episode, Lucie and David discuss the 20th anniversary of the Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems’ Community of Practice in West Africa, and in particular the evolution of its Research Methods Support. The conversation underscores the impact of patient, long-term approaches and local capacity building in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, as an introduction to a series of upcoming episodes that will delve into the program's history and learnings.