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Good Bones: Building infrastructure through adaptation

Lynn Gregory and Anne Fanatico

Summary

Challenges met with resilience often lead to adaptation. That adaptation can lead to changes in perspective and new opportunities. The Going Whole Hog: Sustainable Livestock and Agroforestry Training for Military Veterans project has been strengthened by building a more sustainable project infrastructure in the face of a constantly changing human landscape. As the pandemic forced innovation and the reimagining of everything from technology to food systems, project directors were pushed to do the same; a change in perspective led to some unexpected beneficial results. These include planning online training to take advantage of traditional platforms in new ways, diversifying networks to include those with convergent missions and new professionals, and developing communication strategies that take advantage of shifting media landscapes. We have also developed Green Zone training and integrated young professionals such as students into our work. The unexpected result of this has been the opportunity to build a sustainable community around service to farmer veterans and beginning farmers and a lesson in broadening our vision due to challenges. Tips for taking advantage of shifting perspectives include: reimagining the project team to expand and diversify talent; including communication as a planning and management function; developing a network of mutual benefit; and encouraging meaningful and lasting collaborations by building mutual understanding.

Details

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