Learning in Transition: A Reflective Review of an Agricultural Learning Network Journey

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This paper offers a reflective review of the Amanzi for Food Learning Network, an agricultural community of practice established to support the uptake and use of rainwater harvesting and conservation knowledge and practices in smallholder farming contexts across South Africa.. Initially catalysed through accredited training courses, the Network evolved into a virtual Learning Network following the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the Network’s functionality, challenges and transformation from 2023 to 2025 using Wenger’s community of practice framework to understand how participatory agricultural learning and extension can be sustained in a digitally mediated context. Our analysis draws on participant feedback, digital engagement data, facilitation reflections and project documentation. While the Network developed a broad repertoire of agricultural tools and training platforms, sustaining inclusive participation proved difficult. Limited digital access, unclear roles and dwindling engagement revealed the need for intentional facilitation and co-engaged design. These insights led to the reimagining of the Network, grounded in relational care, shared ownership and hybridised interaction. We document the shift from participation-as-presence to participation-as-practice, emphasising mutual engagement, joint enterprise and co-created relevance. The paper concludes with lessons for sustaining Agricultural Learning Networks in a resource-constrained context, highlighting purpose, peer recognition and local context. Our story contributes to the field of agricultural education and extension, offering insights for revitalising learning networks through reflective and adaptive approaches.

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