Action learning to enable personal, organisational and industry level change in Welsh agriculture (AoP3)

The account of practice titled Action Learning to enable personal, organisational and industry level change in Welsh agriculture is set in the context of Agrisgôp which offers action learning and peer to peer mentoring as part of the Welsh Government's Farming Connect programme. The programme has adopted the Business-Driven Action Learning (BDAL) approach which involves application of action learning that focuses on achieving tangible business results while simultaneously developing individual and business capabilities. Typically, this involves a structured process with defined phases, including problem definition, teamwork, reflection, and implementation (Boshyk, 2013). The programme has engaged thousands of Welsh farmers in action learning and thus facilitated the germination of new business ideas, many of which have evolved into additional enterprises on farms or resulted in a tangible change in practice. The author notes that ‘an initially unintended outcome has been the cultivation of secure and confidential environments…where farmers find the freedom to openly discuss concerns and share experiences, fostering a level of connection rarely achieved in traditional settings. Agrisgôp has done more than just transfer knowledge to Welsh farmers; it has given them a voice'. This highlights the use of action learning to create these trusted networks which has been profoundly life-changing for many farmers. Participating in action learning has also enhanced farmers' skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Other extended benefits include empowering individuals in diverse future roles, from school governors to community council members, ultimately fostering resilient rural communities. The action learning facilitation skills of building trust, holding a safe space for collaborative thinking and reflection, reflective space as well as building accountability and encouraging participants to set and achieve goals is also shared in this account of practice. Overall, evaluative evidence demonstrate that action learning perceived enhancements in their confidence, communication abilities, capacity for information evaluation and application, adaptability to change, and strategic business planning skills. The author advocates that action leaning has stood the test of time as ‘Agrisgôp's journey over two decades has established it as a pivotal force in Welsh agricultural support services, cultivating supportive communities and driving impactful change through action learning’.