Abstract
This study is aimed at uncovering the model used and the practices of knowledge sharing and flow in the agricultural knowledge centers established by a project named “Improving Productivity and Market Success” (IPMS). The goal is to improve agricultural productivity through market-oriented development to enhance livelihoods for rural populations. The twenty eight Agricultural Knowledge Center established by IPMS project formed a network of alliances, and we assumed information and knowledge flow as multilateral and reciprocal processes. This preliminary study is informed by theorization of Nahapiet and Ghoshal that identified three dimensions of social capital theory: relational, cognitive, and structural capital. A positivist case study research methodology as suggested by Yin and Shanks was used, while an in-depth interview was conducted with the resource manager and coordinator of the knowledge centers. The information gathered was summarized and categorized along the three dimensions of the social capital theory. The finding reveals that structural arrangement created for managing and coordinating the project can potentially be used as a conduit for agricultural knowledge flow. The study also revealed that absence of formal management practices impacts the structural and cognitive social capital that enhances inter-center knowledge sharing. Comprehensive future studies are recommended for valid conclusions.
Recommended Citation
Musa, Philip and Hailemariam, Getachew, "In search of enhanced Agricultural knowledge sharing framework for farmers in low income countries: The case of Ethiopia" (2012). AMCIS 2012 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2012/proceedings/ICTinGlobalDev/1
In search of enhanced Agricultural knowledge sharing framework for farmers in low income countries: The case of Ethiopia
This study is aimed at uncovering the model used and the practices of knowledge sharing and flow in the agricultural knowledge centers established by a project named “Improving Productivity and Market Success” (IPMS). The goal is to improve agricultural productivity through market-oriented development to enhance livelihoods for rural populations. The twenty eight Agricultural Knowledge Center established by IPMS project formed a network of alliances, and we assumed information and knowledge flow as multilateral and reciprocal processes. This preliminary study is informed by theorization of Nahapiet and Ghoshal that identified three dimensions of social capital theory: relational, cognitive, and structural capital. A positivist case study research methodology as suggested by Yin and Shanks was used, while an in-depth interview was conducted with the resource manager and coordinator of the knowledge centers. The information gathered was summarized and categorized along the three dimensions of the social capital theory. The finding reveals that structural arrangement created for managing and coordinating the project can potentially be used as a conduit for agricultural knowledge flow. The study also revealed that absence of formal management practices impacts the structural and cognitive social capital that enhances inter-center knowledge sharing. Comprehensive future studies are recommended for valid conclusions.