Stakeholder Engagement And Communications Assignment Sample

Introduction Of Stakeholder Engagement And Communications

The purpose of presenting a task-based assessment is to analyse stakeholders associated with the selected project scenarios and present an evaluation of them. In addition, an infographic and PowerPoint presentation of the communication process with specific stakeholder choices has been presented along with presenting an informative handout. A summary of task-based performance has been presented in a reflective manner highlighting what went right or wrong and how the activities might be improved more to achieve the target more intensely.

Task 1: Stakeholders Map and Evaluation

Scenario Overview

The chosen case scenario reflects that lands become infertile su due to the use of chemical fertilisers as well as heavy chemical-infused pesticides. Therefore, lands gradually become infertile and are considered to be converted to urbanised colonies. Reportedly, 14,500 hectares of the total agricultural land in the UK have been permanently lost over the past 12 years on account of using extreme chemical pesticides and fertilisers (Richardville et al. 2022). In this case, stakeholders who belong to the agriculture sector mainly need to understand how the use of chemicals influences the development of infertile land rather than fertilising lands as required. They also need to develop knowledge regarding the process underlined by the shift from chemical fertiliser utilisation to organic manure. Besides the current sectorial scenario highlights farmers are highly needed and incentivised to efficiently tackle delineation in diversity as well as soil fertility. The chosen case scenario project aims to deliver a crucial message to stakeholders belonging to the agriculture sector regarding the emergence to solve this particular environmental issue as utilisation of increasing scope of urbanisation has been associated with deteriorating the stability of biodiversity and eco-diversity.

Stakeholders Identification and Mapping

Identification of the core stakeholders portfolio highlights internal stakeholders in the agricultural sector are agricultural input companies, farmers as well as ranchers, agricultural retailers, crop consultants and advisors, and agricultural credit institutions. Other stakeholders who play roles in agricultural supply chain management practices from outside of the industry are the transportation sector, ingredients manufacturers, and refrigeration companies (Supplychain.edf.org, 2023). Both internal and external stakeholders impact sustainable industrial growth directly or indirectly. Stakeholder evaluation and analysis help in identifying the power as well as interest and support stakeholders have while performing in the chosen sector (Maitra et al. 2021). In this case, particular two types of stakeholders matrix have been chosen in order to position identified both external and internal stakeholders according to their importance, interest, power and support in the agriculture industry. These two types of stakeholder analysis methods are the Power/Interest Grid and Influence/Support chart. Using these two charts, an analysis of chosen stakeholders has been presented in brief along with justification.

Power/Interest Grid

Figure 1: Power/Interest Grid of identified Stakeholders

(Source: Self-Developed)

The above-presented Figure 1 highlights the degree of power as well as interest stakeholders have in the agriculture sector and impacts sustainable sectoral growth. As per the views of Prashanthi (2020) Power/Interest Grid helps in identifying the impacts on stakeholders and the power stakeholders have to act accordingly to manage various types of activities sector-wise. In this case, farmers, ranchers as well as seed, and fertiliser companies have been categorised as having high power and high interest as those are at the heart of managing various types of agricultural activities. Field works are effectively performed by ranchers and farmers through sourcing products from seed and fertiliser companies. In this case, “The Chemical Manure Manufacturer Association” plays a vital role in monitoring the manufacturing and operational practices of seed and fertiliser companies which directly impacts sectoral development.

In addition, crop consultants, as well as ingredient manufacturers, have been presented in the quadrant entitled “high power and low interest” as they indirectly connect with controlling the front-line workers' activities farmers, ranchers and the companies that offer seeds and fertilisers. As per the views of Haaksma (2022), stakeholders considering the "Power/interest matrix" can be stated that those who are classified in the "low interest and low power" quadrant generally belong to the segment addressed as external stakeholders and indirectly impacts industrial operations. In this case, refrigerating companies, transportation, distributors and processors have been categorised as having low power and low interest in comparison to other industrial stakeholders. Besides, agricultural retailers and aggregators hold high interest and low power in this sector as they are dependent on other internal stakeholders mostly who play crucial roles as front-line practitioners in the agriculture sector.

Influence and Support Chart

Figure 2: Influence/Support chart for Identified project Stakeholders

(Source: Self-Developed)

The above-presented matrix entitled Figure 2 highlights the position of the identified stakeholders according to their influence and the support they offer in the chosen sector. As per the proclamation presented by Jana (2020), the degree of support signifies how much stakeholders contribute towards strengthening industrial growth in specific, In this case, most of the essential direct and indirect sectoral stakeholders have been classified as followers and enthusiastic under the support segment. As per Figure 2, “The Chemical Manure Manufacturers Association” and its advisors have been categorised as having high influence and are highly enthusiastic to offer support to other front-line workers in the agriculture industry such as farmers, and ranchers. In addition, seed and fertiliser companies as well as farmers and ranchers have been addressed as having high influence and followers under the support category. It is obvious that they mainly follow the advice as well as guidelines introduced by “The Chemical Manure Manufacturers Association” and advisors,

Apart from these, some additional stakeholders have been categorised as having medium power and belong to both the follower and enthusiast segments in order to perform better in the agriculture sector.

Task 2: Created Communication

Slide 1: Introduction

• Stakeholder communication is considered highly important for informing them about the current state of the project scenario
• Stakeholders play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable growth of the agriculture sector
• In the chosen context, it is important to efficiently communicate with them to alert them to the usefulness of organic manure

The purpose of presenting these slides centring on the process and benefits of utilising organic manure and shifting from chemical fertilisers to organic manure. In addition, presenting information regarding the utilisation of organic manure by farmers and ranchers would allow them to develop their knowledge and awareness for maintaining the stability of the environment as infertile lands are taken under consideration for urbanisation. It hampers eco-diversity and natural balance which impacts living beings of animals, birds as well as other creatures. On the other hand, presenting communicative and interactive content highlighting how the shift to using organic manure benefits land and the environment benefits additional stakeholders in the agriculture sector would be beneficial for enhancing stakeholders' concerns as a whole.

Slide 2: Communicating Farmers and Ranchers

• It is essential to inform farmers and ranchers about the benefits of using organic manure and the disadvantages of using chemical fertilisers
• The use of chemical fertilisers harms microbes in soil and at the same time decreases the fertility rate of society (Manzar et al. 2022)
• The use of organic manure mainly helps in replenishes nutrients in the soil which generally renders soil fertile

Besides harming microbes in the soil, the use of chemical fertiliser enhances the chances of water pollution as it is washed away by water easily. Though it offers better economic value, it not only harms lives under the soil but also water lives. On the other hand, besides replenishing nutrients in the soil, the use of organic manure helps in increasing the water-holding capacity of soil which helps crops to stay hydrated for a long time. Besides, it has been also reported that organic manure is environment-friendly while chemical fertilisers are considered highly harmful to nature though it offers economic benefits to use in agriculture practices.

Slide 3: Contd…

• The shift from using chemical fertilisers in agricultural practices to the use of organic manure requires the efficient adoption of biofertilizers
• Besides, incentivising farmers, as well as ranchers in the UK, has been reported as in high demand to ensure the use of organic manure (Syed et al. 2022)
• The process of manufacturing organic manure needs to be described to farmers properly in order to ensure its efficient use

Efficient communication with ranchers and farmers requires showing a sample of a crop field of a small area to make farmers trust to efficiently choose the way of using organic manure. Besides, highlighting the benefits and how it works after implementation on the land would be beneficial for enhancing farmers' trust towards using this. In this case, the use of audio-visual presentation of information would be beneficial for improving farmers' understanding ability. In this manner, it would be beneficial to establish strong communication and interactive session practice with the target group of farmers and ranchers to ensure the avoidance of using chemical fertilisers.

Slide 4: Contd…

• Introducing “Lab-to-land programmes” would be beneficial for scattering better information to front-line practitioners in the agriculture field and those are farmers and ranchers.
• Besides, offering free organic manure as a sample for farmers to use initially and identify differentiation might be beneficial to enhance their belief regarding using pr organic manure (Saxena et al. 2021)
• One fact that farmers as well as ranchers need to be concerned about is that they should not accept anything without seeing any particular or fruitful results

Use of practical demonstration while communicating with farmers and ranchers would be beneficial for advisors to efficiently communicate the idea and benefit of using organic manure. Besides, it can be stated that highlighting the best possible options to produce organic manure by themselves for farmers and ranchers would allow them to become self-independent and process manure to apply in the field though it is one of the most time-consuming activities in the agriculture sector.

Slide 5: Conclusion

• Hence, it can be concluded that it is important to establish strong, interesting and interactive communication with farmers and ranchers as advisors in order to ensure the use of chemical fertilisers would be minimised efficiently.
• Besides, it can be stated that the process of implementing organic manure while providing a better understanding to farmers and ranchers would be beneficial

Communication whether it is direct or indirect with the target stakeholder group offers either positive or negative outcomes. Besides, it can be stated that incentivising farmers as well as ranchers would be beneficial to ensure the process of shifting from using chemical fertilisers to organic fertilisers takes place efficiently.

Task 3: Created Communication

The image in this infographic highlights the difference between fertile and barren land. A barren land is one which is dry as well as desolate along with flora and no trees. As per the opinion of Kaur & Singh (2022) in simple form barren land mainly refers to a landscape that is devoid of vegetarianism which also denotes that the land is vacant and unable to support any kind of life development. In this case, adding quality organic manure to soil can fertilise barren land by promoting the significant growth of several eco-friendly microbes, insects as well as worms.

In addition, there are a few assumptions that have been presented regarding shifting from using chemical fertilisers to organic manure in order to improve the growth of the ecosystem. Those are as follows -

• Joining a cooperative
• Developing a better understanding of the benefits of using organic manure instead of using chemical fertiliser (Kereseka, 2021)
• Making the selection of environmentally friendly production methods
• Effective utilisation of Agroforestry, intercropping as well as organic farming and crop rotation

Task 4: Found Communication

The potential ways to ensure the implementation of organic manure are as follows -

• Uniformly use across field
• Use in the form of a spray
• It can be used mixed with chemical fertiliser

These are the images of how the use of organic manure helps plants to grow efficiently. As per the opinion of Wyszkowska et al. (2022), there are multiple numbers of ways organic manure can be used for feeding plants with essential nutrients. Among all of these, the best way to feed plants is by using organic manure for soil which first feeds microbes and then helps provide adequate nutrients to plants.

Task 5: Reflection

This particular self-reflection part has been presented as dealing with the experience I have gained by performing the above-presented four tasks in particular. As per the views of Joshi et al. (2022) describing the task-based experience following the reflective models mainly helps in providing the understanding structure of the entire data presentation and it helps in identifying strengths as well as weaknesses one has regarding learning. There are various types of reflective models used to present experiences in depth following some specific stages. In order to present my experience regarding performing tasks oriented with this module, I have used the “Gibbs reflective Cycle”. The six stages consisted of Gibbs's reflective Model helps in presenting what individuals mainly learn from performing tasks or situations and what are the potential strengths and weaknesses of that individual and what actually went well or not regarding participating situations or tasks. Below, the experience and knowledge I have gained, using the six stages of the “Gibbs Reflective Cycle” have been presented in brief.

Description

As per asked in task 1, I have chosen a particular project scenario as pursuing a degree in the agriculture sector highlighting land degraded by the extensive use of chemical pesticides as well as fertilisers and at the same time lands gradually got infertile. Therefore, those lands are used as a source of urbanised colonies. On the basis of this particular scenario, I have been asked to attend three particular tasks aimed at presenting a communication considering specific stakeholders as the audience. I have selected fa\rmers as well as ranchers as my target audience and I have presented interactive content to create and found communication. I have presented PowerPoint presentations, posters and handouts which highlight how to switch from chemical fertilisers to organic manure as well as how the use of organic manure benefits farmers as well as ranchers to maintain the fertility of the soil. I must say that performing this particular scenario has helped me to understand various new information about enhancing soil fertility and the way to maintain the pH balance of the soil.

Feelings

Feelings are considered a second important stage of “The Gibbs Reflective Model” which highlights the feelings individuals gained while performing task-based activities. As per the views of Richardville et al. (2022) at this stage, the pre-performance, during the performance and post-performance experiences of individuals are presented in a reflective manner. Considering these facts, I must say that I was feeling confused before performing this particular nodule-based activity such as making video content as well as posters, handouts were totally new to me. During attending tasks one after another I felt confident and more active. Besides, after getting more familiar with the topic I felt free to make multiple assumptions considering the scenario I have chosen and the consideration I have aimed to consider. After completion of four tasks, I felt satisfied as I presented relevant information efficiently along with appropriate in-depth analysis.

Evaluation

Evaluation of performed scenarios or tasks mainly highlights how an individual has performed asked activities efficiently. As per the opinion of Maitra et al. (2021) third stage of “The Gibbs Reflective Model '' mainly helps in presenting an in-depth dimensional evaluation of the situation which is performed by individuals to have knowledge as well as develop knowledge regarding specific requirements. Referring to this, I can say that presenting the scenario as asked in task 1 has been done efficiently by me and according to the scenario choice, I have efficiently identified the stakeholders. Besides, I must say that I have created communication in a proper way in the form of PowerPoint presentations and posters. Besides, at the time of presenting the handout, I conducted research online and understood that nature-based organic solutions are best for sustaining agricultural growth. Here I have attached the link to the youtube videos watching which I have developed my knowledge-

• https://youtu.be/sn78QZ3TmwQ
• https://youtu.be/SRXx0QyxBFo
• https://youtu.be/9Yq2OPJR-a4
• https://youtu.be/8n0O69YRd8Y
• https://youtu.be/4-unUVfAwsQ
• https://youtu.be/4PezKL-f_f8
• https://youtu.be/io_6YOMpUAg
• https://youtu.be/m1ZqJQbH2ms
• https://youtu.be/RCEwHSnlio0
• https://youtu.be/YwOxCtsLweA
• https://youtu.be/YVZjMo7ZI3w
• https://youtu.be/th3sLPjmF8M

Analysis

Analysing the experience that I have gained, I can say that I have strong analytical and presentation skills. Using these particular skill sets I have identified quality knowledge-based information and relevant data to present as well as meeting the aim of the module. These potentials can be considered as my strengths while the lack of confidence at the initial stage of starting this module-based activities address my weakness. As per the views of Prashanthi (2020) identification of strengths and weaknesses helps in identifying the field of development as required and further improvement required for existing quality enhancement. In this case, I have identified that my thinking abilities need more improvement in order to think critically. Besides, I must say that I need to develop knowledge regarding the use of organic manure in various types of agricultural activities.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded that performing this module has not only improved my cognitive learning abilities but also developed my skill regarding presenting interactive content. It might be beneficial to communicate efficiently with stakeholders in the selected industry in the agriculture sector.

Action Plan

The general action plan includes specific skill development such as communication, research, and critical thinking skills in order to ensure efficient communication practices with stakeholders. Besides, I must say that I have considered approximately 5 months for every activity improvement of development practice. Besides, I must say that I have identified there are multiple scopes for developing communication skills such as developing vocabulary and interaction with farmers and ranchers physically to know about the use of manure for improving field fertility rate.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the use of chemical fertilisers as well as pesticides has become adversely impactful in maintaining the level of soil fertility. It is evident that there is a high need to provide a better understanding to farmers as well as ranchers in the UK to avoid using chemical products and in this case establishing strong communication practices with them is highly required. The urgency of incentivizing farmers has been also reported there to ensure positive and desired field work attitudes of farmers and ranchers.

References

• Haaksma, L. R. (2022). Surviving urbanisation and agricultural intensification: A review of the threats for farmland and urban birds in human-modified landscapes in the Netherlands. Retrieved from: https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/26620/1/mEE_2022_HaaksmaLR.pdf, on: 5.08.2023
• Jana, B. (2020). Mycorrhiza: A Potential Bio-Enhancer in the Agriculture Production System. InBeneficial Microbes for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Management(pp. 1-25). CRC Press. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manobendro-Sarker/publication/340317889_Microbial_Degradation_of_Wastes_for_Environmental_Protection/links/5e918f7aa6fdcca7890a544c/Microbial-Degradation-of-Wastes-for-Environmental-Protection.pdf#page=26, on: 5.08.2023
• Joshi, N., Salunkhe, R. V., Meshram, R. L., & Shoeb, M. (2022). Frontiers in Life Science Volume VII. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nikita-Negi-6/publication/365494302_Impact_of_underlying_stressors_on_bees/links/637780a52f4bca7fd06f351c/Impact-of-underlying-stressors-on-bees.pdf, on: 5.08.2023
• Kaur, G., & Singh, S. (2022). Role of Transgenes in Quality Improvement of Rice.A Monthly Peer-Reviewed Magazine for Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 67. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/The-Magazine/publication/364963604_A_Monthly_Peer_Reviewed_Magazine_for_Agriculture_and_Allied_Sciences_httpstheagricultureonlinecom/links/636154632f4bca7fd02290e6/A-Monthly-Peer-Reviewed-Magazine-for-Agriculture-and-Allied-Sciences-https-theagricultureonlinecom.pdf#page=79, on: 5.08.2023
• Kereseka, J. (2021). Solomon Islands Ridge to Reef Island Diagnostic Analysis Report. Retrieved from: https://www.pacific-r2r.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/Solomon%20Islands_IDA.pdf, on: 5.08.2023
• Maitra, S., Brestic, M., Bhadra, P., Shankar, T., Praharaj, S., Palai, J. B., ... & Hossain, A. (2021). Bioinoculants—Natural biological resources for sustainable plant production.Microorganisms,10(1), 51. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/1/51, on: 5.08.2023
• Manzar, N., Kashyap, A. S., Goutam, R. S., Rajawat, M. V. S., Sharma, P. K., Sharma, S. K., & Singh, H. V. (2022). Trichoderma: Advent of versatile biocontrol agent, its secrets and insights into mechanism of biocontrol potential.Sustainability,14(19), 12786. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/19/12786/pdf, on: 5.08.2023
• Prashanthi, N. S. (2020). Screening and Characterization of Soil Bacteria Which Improves Crop Yield.International Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology,7. Retrieved from: https://scholar.archive.org/work/k25qvkgdyfh6hm572k5bd6bjla/access/wayback/https://www.ijrasb.com/ojs/index.php/ojs-ijrasb/article/download/79/87/, on: 5.08.2023
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• Syed, A., Elgorban, A. M., Bahkali, A. H., Eswaramoorthy, R., Iqbal, R. K., & Danish, S. (2023). Metal-tolerant and siderophore producing Pseudomonas fluorescence and Trichoderma spp. improved the growth, biochemical features and yield attributes of chickpea by lowering Cd uptake.Scientific Reports,13(1), 4471. Retrieved from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31330-3, on: 5.08.2023
• Wyszkowska, J., Borowik, A., Zaborowska, M., & Kucharski, J. (2022). Mitigation of the Adverse Impact of Copper, Nickel, and Zinc on Soil Microorganisms and Enzymes by Mineral Sorbents.Materials,15(15), 5198. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/15/5198/pdf, on: 5.08.2023