Course:LFS350/Projects/2014W1/T4/Proposal
Version Control
| Version | Reason Edited | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Original) | Original Version | September 24th |
| 2 | Expanding on Original | September 27th |
| 3 | Edit after TA feedback | October 3rd |
| 4 | Revised Proposial | November 1st |
Project Background (__ / 10)
The fertile Comox Valley boasts approximately 100,000 acres of agricultural land and produces a wide range of crops, livestock, and other agricultural commodities (Agrifood Comox Valley, 2010). Overall, the regional climate is temperate with short winters and mild summers. Currently, there are 445 farms operating in the Comox Valley with average farm revenue totalling $797/acre. Despite the region's productivity, less than 40% of the available farmland is actively farmed (Comox Valley Economic Development Society, 2008). There is a growing number of prospective farmers in Comox, but the start-up costs associated with purchasing farmland and equipment is prohibitive (A. Hamir, personal communication, September 2014). Our project seeks to better understand the barriers associated with acquiring farmland faced by prospective farmers in the Comox Valley.
The Lush Valley Food Action Society (LUSH), based in Courtenay BC, is a non-profit society focused on issues of food security, environmental stewardship, and local food production (Lush Valley Food Action Society, 2013). They currently facilitate a garden share program in which individuals looking for a plot can connect with those willing to donate garden space. LUSH also provides prospective farmers with information on land linking in Canada - but there is currently no platform specific to the Comox Valley to connect new farmers to available, affordable farmland. In order for an effective platform to be developed, the concerns of prospective farmers must be well understood. In collaboration with LUSH and primary contact person Arzeena Hamir, this project seeks to identify barriers and concerns specific to emerging farmers in the Comox Valley.
This project seeks to host a focus group designed to identify barriers to farmland acquisition in the Comox Valley. The focus group aims to determine young farmers' levels of interest in land purchasing, leasing, and trusts. Additionally, this project hopes to pinpoint specific economic and social barriers and identify the specific goals and expectations of emerging farmers. It is anticipated that the compilation of focus group responses will assist in the development of future land-linking initiatives.
Stakeholder Summary (__ /5)
| Name, Role & Organization | Responsibilities |
LFS 350 Group 4, Student Researchers
|
|
| Arzeena Hamir, LUSH Valley Food Action Society |
|
Purpose and Research Question (__ / 20)
This project seeks to explore the perspectives of prospective farmers with regards to land availability in the Comox Valley. The identification of specific themes in focus group responses will be essential to pinpointing major barriers to land acquisition. The goals of this focus group can be classified as short and long-term.
Short Term Goals
One of the goals of this project is to bring prospective farmers into a focus group discussion regarding barriers to land acquisition. Exploring topics such as preferred methods of land acquisition, barriers to farm start-up, and future goals will help identify the specific needs of prospective farmers.
Compilation of focus group responses and an analysis of common themes will help identify major barriers to land acquisition. It is also anticipated that focus group responses will shed light on areas where resources and information may be lacking.
Long Term Goals
Defining major barriers will provide a starting point for addressing problems of land accessibility in the Comox Valley. The predominant long-term goal of this project is to provide the research necessary to develop an equitable, effective land-linking platform in the Comox Valley. A report highlighting common themes will be a useful tool in the development of a land-linking platform that meets the needs of prospective farmers.
Research Question
What are the predominant barriers and concerns associated with the acquisition of farmland as identified by prospective farmers in the Comox Valley?
Methods (__ / 20)
Focus Group
The main research method utilized in this project is a focus group. Focus groups are a research method in which an interviewer creates group discussion for the purpose of qualitiative data collection (Morgan, 1996). When used as a primary research method, focus groups can be used to examine dominant themes that emerge from respondents.
A focus group is appropriate for determining the major barriers faced by these emerging farmers, because it allows them to explain their perspective in a highly in-depth manner. In this case, the interviewer consists of the student group members, who will present prepared questions to a small group of new and prospective Comox Valley farmers.
Focus group questions were designed to be open-ended and unbiased, thus promoting open discussion amongst participants. A minimum of five new or prospective Comox Valley farmers will participate in a focus group to discuss experiences, perspectives, and perceived barriers. Participants will meet in a predetermined location and gather for an hour long discussion. The discussion will be guided by members of the student research team. The role of the interviewer is to ask questions and provide clarification if the participants find any questions unclear.
Focus Group Questions
The student interviewers will ask the following questions:
- In your opinion, to what extent is the Comox Valley an attractive place to farm? Why or why not?
- Are new farmers more interested in buying or leasing farmland in this region, and why?
- Have you experienced barriers in acquiring land for farming in the Comox Valley? Please describe these barriers and how you have faced them.
- Have there been any instances during your time farming where you have needed additional resources or information? If so, what?
- Currently, Canada does not have a land-linking program to connect emerging farmers with current landowners. Which of your needs, as young farmers, would you consider most important to be addressed in the event of a Comox Valley land-linking platform?
- What is your vision for your future regarding your agricultural careers, with regards to the Comox Valley?
The responses will be recorded for purpose of analysis and writing the final report. Participants will be informed that their responses are being recorded and will be used for research purposes. A consent form will be distributed—this form must be signed by the participant in order for the student research team to use their responses.
Transcription and Analysis
Recording of participant responses will be transcribed by the student research team. These transcripts will be examined for themes. A search of common terms (ex. “money”, “water”, “capital”) will be used to pinpoint common perspectives and concerns.
Following an initial search, responses will be analyzed in further detail for commonalities and differences. Responses will be categorized by themes, examples of which may include:
- Lack of capital
- Lack of social or community support
- Lack of agricultural knowledge or confidence
From this analysis, we will be able to better understand the dominant barriers faced by emerging farmers in the Comox Valley. We will also be able to determine whether the actual barriers described by the farmers are similar to our preconceived notions.
Advantages
According to Morgan, focus group discussion is an effective method of interview because “participants both query each other and explain themselves to each other” (2006). This allows for robust, detailed answers. The ability to observe how participants agree and disagree with one another in a conversational setting removes the speculation associating with comparing individual interviews. Observing how participants react to the comments of fellow respondents also offers rich qualitative data regarding community dynamics and diversity. We may find that the community of young farmers in the Comox Valley is highly united or divided on particular issues.
Another clear advantage to using the focus group method is the communal nature of discussion. Since this project focuses on work to be done in a community, it is important that the data collected reflects community values. It will also be valuable to see how respondents work together to best illustrate their concerns—this could provide valuable insight on how they value collaboration.
In terms of logistics, a focus group is convenient because it allows the research team to collect a wealth of information from several people in a relatively short period of time.
Disadvantages
A major disadvantage of using a focus group as our sole method of research is that participants may be hesitant to respond in a group setting. Participants may alter their responses or withhold certain information while in the presence of peers. Additionally, more introverted participants may feel like their voices are being suppressed if other participants are particularly vocal.
The best way of addressing these potential issues would be to hold individual interviews prior to the focus group, then cross-reference participant responses (Morgan, 1996). Unfortunately, owing to the time-restricted nature of this project we are unable to carry out this step. Therefore, in order to avoid any of these potential problems, the student interviewers will preface the discussion by highlighting the importance of equal representation. We will also stress the confidentiality of their responses, and that there are “no right answers”. Continually monitoring the group for audible or physical signs of discomfort or agitation will allow us to diffuse any problematic situations.
Another disadvantage of using a focus group is that individual comments or thoughts may be forgotten in the heat of group discussion. To address this issue, we will try to ensure every participant gets sufficient time to consider the questions and respond.
Ethical Concerns
The focus group employed has the potential of making participants feel uncomfortable or intruded upon. It is the ethical responsibility of the researcher to ensure that participants do not feel pressured to disclose personal information (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, & Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, 2010). Examples of this include age, income level, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. If participants do not wish to disclose information, they must not be coerced. Additionally, if participants do disclose information but wish to keep it confidential, the research team must respect these wishes. All contact information and details regarding land ownership must not be released to the public without the express permission of the participant.
Deliverables (__ / 5)
Weekly Deliverables
Each week, the group will update the proposal as needed. Updates to the proposal will follow the original wiki template, and reflect the needs and concerns of stakeholders. Proposal updates will also reflect the budget and timeline of the project. Updates to the project proposal will be discussed and approved by the group.
Amendments to project timeline will be documented weekly. Progress on event planning regarding the focus group and any unforeseen developments brought forth by group members and stake holders will also be documented weekly.
Final Deliverables
- Host a focus group featuring local young or prospective farmers. Have at least 5 documented participants answer questions about land access and planning in the Comox Valley.
- Compile a final report highlighting focus group responses and dominant themes.
- Compile a list of barriers to farm land access to serve as preliminary research for larger scale projects in the future, such as a land-linking platform.
The final report will include the aforementioned deliverables, as well as research methodologies, analysis, and discussion.
Success Factors/Criteria (__ / 10)
The researchers will provide a report highlighting common themes as put forth by focus group participants. This report will identify barriers and common concerns regarding land accessibility and acquisition in the Comox Valley. The unique perspective of new and emerging farmers will be represented, thereby providing starting research for future land-linking or land accessibility initiatives.
If the following criteria are met, the project will be deemed successful:
- Host a focus group.
- Determining the degree of interest with respect to land purchasing, leasing, and trusts among young farmers in the Comox Valley. Information regarding interest will be collected on an individual basis and then assessed.
- Identification of social and economic barriers to entry pertaining to emergent farmers. Some of these barriers may include water access, drainage, quality of land for growing, and operating costs.
- Following our data collection, our data will be compiled into a formal report, thereby providing a research-based platform that prospective farmers will consult upon further interest in acquiring land.
Scope Change
Scope changes requested by any stakeholder of the project must be agreed upon, approved and signed by all stakeholders. The agreed format is to revise this charter with version controls. Because this is critical to keep track of, the version control is displayed at the beginning of the charter.
Communication Plan (__ / 5)
| Action Item | Deliverable | Dates | Accountable |
| Information sharing | Edits to Google Document, accessed through Google Drive | Ongoing | All group members are expected to provide necessary information and project updates within a reasonable amount of time, so as to meet deadlines as indicated by timeline |
| Student Group member meetings | Checkpoint to discuss new developments and assign tasks to group members | Bi-Monthly | All student group members to attend, or let other group members know if they are unavailable to attend |
| Facebook updates | Notices on group meeting times, updates to documentation, new developments | Every day | Facebook group to be checked by each group member at least once a day |
| Meeting with Arzeena | To discuss project specifics and obtain approval on project methods | TBD | Whichever student group members can attend skype/telephone interview. Not necessary for all students to attend. |
| Site visit and Focus Group | Hold focus group with new and prospective farmers in the Comox Valley | November 8, 2014 | If any student group member is unable to attend, it is their responsibility to keep up with project advances and communications. It is the responsibility of all the group members who do attend to provide field notes on the site visit. |
Milestones (__ / 5)
| Milestone | Event or Deliverable | Target Date | Responsibility |
| Milestone 1 | Presentation of Project Proposal | Wednesday, October 1 2014 | All student group members |
| Milestone 2 | Submission of Project Proposal | Friday, October 3 2014 | All student group members |
| Milestone 3 | Restructuring of project | October 13, 2014 | As many group members as possible |
| Milestone 4 | Meeting with Will & Josh about focus group | October 15, 2014 | All group members. |
| Milestone 5 | First Skype Call with Arzeena | October 19th | As many group members as possible. |
| Milestone 6 | Changes to initial project | October 22, 2014 | All members |
| Milestone 7 | Decision to implement focus group | October 29, 2014 | All members. |
| Milestone 8 | Proposal Redraft | October 29, 2014 | All members. |
| Milestone 9 | 2nd Draft of Proposal Due | November 1, 2014 | All members. |
| Milestone 9 | Focus Group Questionnaire Prepared | November 7, 2014 | All members. |
| Milestone 10 | Site visit. | November 8, 2014 | All members, if possible. |
Approvals (__ / 5)
The following individuals hereby approve this Project Charter:
| Role or Title | Name and Signature | Date |
| Research/Editing | Emma Wynker | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Event Planning | Paulina Naylor | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Communications | Regan Eberding | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Recording | Richard Wu | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Editor | Noni Clair | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Travel Plans | Keenan Mittl | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Photography | Jason Yeung | October 3 2014 |
| Research/Finances | Antonio Hozar | October 3 2014 |
References (__ / 5)
- Agrifood Comox Valley. (2010). "Growing beyond the ordinary." Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/keySectors/agrifood.htm
- Argricultural Land Commission. (2011). "ALR Maps Comox Valley". Retrieved October 2, 2014 from http://docs.alc.gov.bc.ca/mapping/ALR_maps/Comox_Valley/
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada,
- and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. (2010). "Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical
- Conduct for Research Involving Humans". Retrieved October 3, 2014 from http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/pdf/eng/tcps2/TCPS_2_FINAL_Web.pdf
- Comox Valley Economic Development Society. (2008). "Comox Valley Gap Analysis - 2008". Retrieved September 27, 2014 from http://www.investcomoxvalley.com/keySectors/documents/CVInventoryandGapAnalysis-FinalReport.pdf
- Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications. (pp. 3-23). Retrieved from https://connect.ubc.ca/bbcswebdav/pid-2365918-dt-content-rid-9146590_1/courses/SIS.UBC.LFS.350.001.2014W1.36591/2003_Creswell_A%20Framework%20for%20Design.pdf
- Lush Valley Food Action Society. (2013). "Let Us Share the Harvest - About". Retrieved September 27, 2014 from http://www.lushvalley.org/about-us.html
- Morgan, D. L. (1996). Focus Groups. Annual Review of Sociology. doi:10.1146/annurev.soc.22.1.129
Writing Quality (__ / 10)
For a proposal report to receive full writing quality marks, it should be well organized and easy to read. It should address all of the topics articulated in the assignment details above, and it should be free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.