Improving the Entrepreneurial Competencies of Dutch Dairy Farmers through the Use of Study Groups

The objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the role that study groups might play in improving the entrepreneurial competencies of farmers. The most important competencies are described. Emphasis is placed on group learning processes and participatory approaches. Theories of adult learning and extension paradigms in relation to our experiences in the ‘Innovative Entrepreneurship’ study are addressed. We conclude that in our research, participatory approaches and using study groups are an aid to gaining explicit and implicit knowledge. Consequently, they are effective methods for training entrepreneurial competencies and creating an environment in which participants are able to learn effectively.