Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 178 Document Number: C30711
Notes:
Paper presented at Tropentag 2010, Conference on International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, Zurich, Switzerland, September 14-16, 2010. 1 page.
International: Research and Extension Division, Natural Resources and Environment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C36136
Notes:
38 pages., Findings of a series of regional studies, consultations and workshops organized by FAO in preparation for the World Congress on Communicationfor Development (Rome, October 2007).
Woods, John L. (author), Siddiqi, Hafiz G.A. (author), Rahman, M. Saifur (author), Ali, A.M.M. Shawkat (author), Ahmad, Munshi Siddique (author), and Siddiqi, Feisal (author)
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1988-05
Published:
Bangladesh
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 195 Document Number: D07966
Notes:
John L. Woods Collection, Report by the International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana, in association with Rahman Rahman Huq and Company, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Funds provided by the World Bank, the executing agency for United Nations Development Programme Project BGD/85/029. 144 pages pages.
Woods, John L. (author), Siddiqi, Hafiz G.A. (author), Rahman, M. Saifur (author), Ali, A.M.M. Shawkat (author), Ahmad, Munshi Siddique (author), and Siddiqi, Feisal (author)
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1988-05
Published:
Bangladesh
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 195 Document Number: D07958
Notes:
John L. Woods Collection, Report by the International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana, in association with Rahman Rahman Huq and Company, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Funds provided by the World Bank, the executing agency for United Nations Development Programme Project BGD/85/029. 238 pages.
Woods, John L. (author), Siddiqi, Hafiz G.A. (author), Rahman, M. Saifur (author), Ali, A.M.M. Shawkat (author), Ahmad, Munshi Siddique (author), and Siddiqi, Feisal (author)
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1988-05
Published:
Bangladesh
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 195 Document Number: D07963
Notes:
John L. Woods Collection, Report by the International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana, in association with Rahman Rahman Huq and Company, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Funds provided by the World Bank, the executing agency for United Nations Development Programme Project BGD/85/029. 220 pages.
Boone, Kristina M. (author) and Conklin, Nikki L. (author)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
1995-03-05
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 108 Document Number: C10263
Notes:
Paper presented at the 49th Annual Central Region Research Conference in Agricultural Education, "A Look to the Future," St. Louis, Missouri, March 5, 1995.
Smith, Terry R. (author), Eastwood, Basil R. (author), and Radtke, Angela Faris (author)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
1998
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C24676
Notes:
Pages 511-517 in Fedro S. Zazueta and Jiannong Xin (eds.), Computers in agriculture: proceedings of the 7th international conference on computers in agriculture, Orlando, Florida, October 26-30, 1998. St. Joseph, Michigan: American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 999 pages.
Knierim, Andrea (author) and Prager, Katrin (author)
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
2015-07
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 149 Document Number: D06722
Notes:
Online via Proakis.com.eu. 4 pages., "Overall, the analysis revealed that European AKIS are characterised by a mix of public and private actors, and there are no countries where only public actors dominate the knowledge system."
22 pages., via online journal., Identifying and communicating uncertainty is core to effective environmental
assessment (EA). This study evaluates the extent to which uncertainties are considered
and addressed in Canadian EA practice. We reviewed the environmental protection
plans, follow-up programs, and panel reports (where applicable) of 12 EAs between
1995 and 2012. The types of uncertainties and levels of disclosure varied greatly.
When uncertainties were acknowledged, practitioners adopted five different
approaches to address them. However, uncertainties were never discussed or
addressed in depth. We found a lack of suitable terminology and consistency in how
uncertainties are disclosed, reflecting the need for explicit guidance, and we present
recommendations for improvement. Canadian Environmental Impact Statements are
not as transparent with respect to uncertainties as they should be, and uncertainties in
EA need to be better considered and communicated.
Abstract obtained via online. 2 pages., Synthesizes lessons learned and challenges encountered when applying indigenous and non-indigenous knowledge and methods in natural and cultural resource management (NCRM) in northern and central Australia. Authors identify four key themes for consideration in collaborative cross-cultural NCRM.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 182 Document Number: C36962
Notes:
9 pages., Describes outcomes of two workshops aimed at documenting and analyzing the experiences gained in building multi-stakeholder partnership in implementing 12 DURAS-funded projects.
Zeng, Douglas Zhihua (author / World Bank) and Wang, Shuilin (author)
Format:
Research report
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
China: The World Bank
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11231
Notes:
World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 4223. 36 pages., Analysis of some strengths, weakenesses, opportunities and challenges of China's knowledge economy in the areas of economic incentives and institutional regimes, human capital, innovation systems, and information infrastructures.
Toepfer, Stefan (author), Kuhlmann, Ulrich (author), Kansiime, Monica (author), Onyango Owino, David (author), Tamsin, Davis (author), Cameron, Katherine (author), and Day, Roger (author)
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2019-04
Published:
Germany: Springer
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 12 Document Number: D10360
4 pages., Via online journal., This is an opinion paper to the perspective paper “The spread of the Fall Army Worm Spodoptera frugiperda in Africa—what should be done next?” from the “Section Plant Protection in the Tropics and Subtropics” at the 61st German Congress of Plant Protection, held at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, on 11 September 2018. It highlights the best approaches in communication, information sharing, and advisory services to raise awareness for fall armyworm detection and area-wide management by farmers.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 180 Document Number: C36207
Notes:
Section 2 in Don Richardson and Lynnita Paisley (eds.), The first mile of connectivity, Communication for Development, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Via online. 14 pages.
Mitchell, David (author), Adria, Marco (author), and Centre for Community Networking Research, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2008-10-27
Published:
Canada
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 178 Document Number: C35696
Notes:
Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) Conference 2008, Prato, Italy, October 27-30, 2008. 8 pages., Explores knowledge mobilizationas taking on some things while leaving behind (unlearning) other things within the community network. Cites an example: The Alberta SuperNet, including the role of the public library sector.
Rivera, William (author), Alex, Gary (author), and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE).
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2006-05-14
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C24208
Notes:
Retrieved June 17, 2006, at http://www.aiaee.org/2006/Accepted/570.pdf, Pages 570-579 in proceedings of the AIAEE conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida, May 14-17, 2006.
Spielman, David J. (author), Ekboir, Javier (author), and Davis, Kristin (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2009
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D01252
Notes:
Pages 72-85 in Pascal C. Sanginga, Ann Waters-Bayer, Susan Kaaria, Jemimah Njuki and Chesha Wettasinha (Eds.), Innovation Africa: enriching farmers' livelihoods. Earthscan, London, England. 405
Wirastuti, Dewi (author), Luckin, Rose (author), Sheriff, Ray E. (author), Walker, Kevin (author), Underwood, Josh (author), and Dunckley, Lynne (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Published:
IEEE
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 101 Document Number: D10883
Notes:
8 pages., Fifth IEEE International Conference on Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Technology in Education., via online journal., This paper presents an innovative application of wireless, mobile and ubiquitous technologies to support informal and collaborative learning in Kenyan rural farming communities. Such an approach is achieved by the development of a knowledge management system (KMS) integrated with existing local community communication channels, together with experimental knowledge management (KM) initiatives employing the VeSeL (Village e-Science for Life) distributed resource kits (DRKs). The initiatives support illiterate and semi-literate farming community groups, in learning new agriculture practices, and also enable the use of advanced digital technology to improve their agricultural practices and literacy levels. Results of a recent field trip to Kenya are presented and an application sketch is developed. The process of applying wireless and Internet technologies for the education of local farming communities, using irrigation and water management as the application, concludes the paper.
Pattanaik, Debashis (author) and Sarkar, Runa (author)
Format:
Article
Publication Date:
2008
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C29017
Notes:
Posted at http://www.crisscrossed.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/1/the-participatory-web.pdf, Pages 20-25 in Annamarie Matthess and Christian Kreutz, Participatory web - new potentials of ICT in rural areas, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische, Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany. 41 pages.
Rivera, William M. (author), Alex, Gary (author), Hanson, James (author), Birner, Regina (author), and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE).
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2006-05-14
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 150 Document Number: C24209
Notes:
Retrieved June 17, 2006, Pages 580-591 in proceedings of the AIAEE conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida, May 14-17, 2006.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 192 Document Number: D03421
Notes:
Online via AgriCultures Network, Wageningen, Netherlands. Written during a workshop to document lessons learnt in rural development in Sudan, conducted by ILEIA [Centre for learning on sustainable agriculture] for IFAD [International Fund for Agricultural Development]., Features experiences of KariaNet (Knowledge Access for Interconnected Areas Network)in establishing a network around relatively new concepts such as knowledge management, knowledge sharing and communities of practice. 4 pages.
Rajasekaran, B. (author), Warren, D.M. (author), and Babu, S.C. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1995
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C35844
Notes:
Pages 211-217 in D. Michael Warren, L. Jan Slikkerveer and David Brokensha (eds.), The cultural dimension of development: indigenous knowledge systems. Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd., London, England. 582 pages.
10 pages, The study sought to explore the extent to which agricultural policies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
countries incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and its impact on the efforts to document and share
agricultural IK through communication efforts. A qualitative content analysis of policy documents from seven SSA countries and eight key informant interviews with knowledge management officers from the seven countries was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to select the countries, determine
documents examined, and for the selection of key informants for the interviews. The results revealed that IK was not included in several SSA countries’ governmental agricultural policies. Activities aimed at capturing, documentation and sharing IK in SSA countries were not found despite the presence of evidence of its importance to agricultural research and development. These results provide insights on the need for researchers, communicators, educators, and decision-makers to consider incorporating IK into policy associated with agricultural information dissemination to improve technology generation and adoption
24 pages, Farmer-led research (FLR) is a process of inquiry wherein farmers use scientific methods to address their own on-farm curiosities and challenges in ways that are compatible with the scale and management style of their operations. With its flexible, adaptable, participatory, grassroots-oriented nature, FLR has typically been employed by farmers interested in ecological farming techniques and technologies, and evidence shows that it contributes to the adoption and improvement of ecological management practices across a range of contexts. Engagement in FLR initiatives has also been linked to positive social outcomes, including community-building, farmer empowerment, and enhanced capacity for leadership and collective action. In this paper, we present a case study of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario’s (EFAO) Farmer-Led Research Program (FLRP), which is currently one of relatively few FLR initiatives in North America. We draw on data from a participatory, mixed-methods research project. Our results highlight how the FLRP is enabling farmers to feel more knowledgeable, confident, motivated, and inspired to adopt and/or improve ecological practices on their farms, in part by supporting them in building robust social networks that align with their farming values and priorities.
Ruter, Dorine (author) and Piepenstock, Anne (author)
Format:
Article
Publication Date:
2008
Published:
Bolivia
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C29018
Notes:
Posted at http://www.crisscrossed.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/1/the-participatory-web.pdf, Pages 26-29 in Annamarie Matthess and Christian Kreutz, Participatory web - new potentials of ICT in rural areas, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische, Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany. 41 pages.
13 pages., The original website no longer has a copy of the article. Access is available through ERIC database. ERIC Number: EJ890607, Via online source., This article discusses three sites that disrupt accustomed expectations and roles for technical communication. These sites include an agricultural processing site that is requesting tax abatements in exchange for decreased emissions so that it can remain competitive in the global market. The second is also an agricultural manufacturing site that remains globally competitive by increasing efficiencies and expanding the range of products made at the site. Finally, the essay discusses a manufacturing facility that takes finished products-automobiles-and remanufactures them for a niche market of users. Each of these Midwestern sites is globally competitive and challenges expectations for high technology work. Taken together, they gesture toward new definitions of work, in new postindustrial context, and offer insight for defining technical communication in the postindustrial age. The remaining challenge, for scholars and teachers, is to articulate emerging literacy practices supporting postindustrial manufacturing, and to participate in the knowledge management that supports innovation. Here, each site takes something that would have previously been considered either finished product or waste and rearticulates it as an ingredient in a new product. At the least, technical communicators will need to learn to document such organization's innovation and change. At best, such change invites technical communicators, acting as knowledge managers, to articulate opportunities for innovation. Research, a traditional strength of technical writing preparation, allows organizations to better prepare and understand change, turning disruption into opportunity. Postindustrial business practices are no longer the work of futurists, but the reality and structure of the workplace today. Each work site described in this article presents opportunities for basic research into emerging workplaces in need of the expertise of technical and professional writers; each is an example and potential model for knowledge work.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 167 Document Number: C27963
Notes:
3 pages., Brief description of resources of the interdisciplinary program, INTERPAKS (International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Sciences), at the University of Illinois.
International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Format:
Folder
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 168 Document Number: C28300
Notes:
Estimated publishing date., 2 pages., Describes a multi-disciplinary resource at the University of Illinois to "help improve the socio-economic well-being of rural peoples in developing countries by facilitating the discovery, transfer, and utilization of new agricultural technology and related management skills."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C36718
Notes:
Pages 39-75 in Tim Unwin (ed.), ICT4D: Information and Communication Technology for Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K. 386 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C36722
Notes:
Pages 321-360 in Tim Unwin (ed.), ICT4D: Information and Communication Technology for Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K. 386 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 167 Document Number: C27981
Notes:
Presented at the 24th annual conference of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education at EARTH University, Costa Rica, March 9-15, 2008. 12 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 172 Document Number: C29141
Notes:
1 page., Notes decreased public interest in agricultural science, education and training and extension. "The authors have assessed evidence across a wide range of knowledge that is rarely brought together"
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D09980
Notes:
From Agricultural Communications Program files, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign., Report of a 10-day workshop for JVASP extension agents - conducted by a team of extension communicators and educators from Washington State University, University of Illinois, and the University of Jordan. Purpose: help Jordan extension agents strengthen their competencies to work with farmers in the knowledge transfer process.
Parminter, Terry (author) and Neild, Jeremy (author)
Format:
Abstract
Publication Date:
2013-08
Published:
New Zealand
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D02418
Notes:
Page 29 - Abstract of a paper presented at the International Conference of the Australasia Pacific Extension Network (APEN), Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand, August 26-28, 2013. 100 pages.
Liniger, Hanspeter (author) and Schwilch, Gudrun (author)
Format:
Abstract
Publication Date:
2010-09-14
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 178 Document Number: C30709
Notes:
Paper presented at Tropentag 2010, Conference on International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, Zurich, Switzerland, September 14-16, 2010. 1 page.
14 pages., For improved rice production, farmers need access to timely and relevant knowledge at each stage of the rice-cropping calendar. To understand how farmers involve themselves in acquiring and sharing agricultural knowledge, this study investigates how knowledge management best practices can be enhanced among rice farmers in selected rural areas of Tanzania. Data were collected from 226 rice farmers in three districts (Kilombero, Kilosa and Mvomero) of the Morogoro region in Tanzania. Findings from structured questionnaires and focused group discussion indicate that rice farmers accessed, shared and used agricultural knowledge. It was found that individual, institutional and knowledge factors influence the performance of agricultural knowledge management activities. For enhancing effective agricultural knowledge management, it is important to take into consideration the knowledge management best practices, which include developing effective knowledge infrastructure, involving different stakeholders and using appropriate information and communications technology tools in enhancing access to knowledge. It is concluded that effective knowledge management activities increase the level of adoption of agricultural innovations. It is recommended that the proposed agricultural knowledge management best practices be adapted for improving rice production.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 182 Document Number: C36986
Notes:
3 pages., Describes process and outcomes of workshops in the Philippines and Nepal involving representatives of several organizations that have been actively involved in the farmer-led approach.
Radcliffe, Edward B. (author), Ouedraogo, Gregoire (author), Patten, Sonia E. (author), Ragsdale, David W. (author), and Strzok, Peter P. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1995
Published:
Niger
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C35804
Notes:
Pages 35-70 in D. Michael Warren, L. Jan Slikkerveer and David Brokensha (eds.), The cultural dimension of development: indigenous knowledge systems. Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd., London, England. 582 pages.
International: Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services (MEAS), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Michigan State University, East Lansing; and U. S. Agency for International Development, Washington, D.C.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 138 Document Number: D05682
International: CSIRO Publishing, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10517
Notes:
217 pages., Pages 199-209 in Heinz Schandl and Lain Walker (eds.), Social science and sustainability. CSIRO Publishing, Clayton South, Victoria,Australia. 2017. 217 pages., (p. 205) "The significant role of the social sciences in educating and training professionals and managers - who will be working in many sectors - should not be underestimated. Social science knowledge provides the fundamentals for understanding individual and organizational behaviour, and provides key methods for analysis and action."
Bentz, Robert P. (author), Evans, James F. (author), Fliegel, Frederick (author), Lancaster, F. Wilfrid (author), Malone, Violet M. (author), Santas, John W. (author), Swanson, Burton E., chair (author), and Woodis, Raymond A. (author)
Format:
Proposal
Publication Date:
1981
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 123 Document Number: D11181
Notes:
Transferred from the "INTERPAKS Administration" file maintained in International Program records of the Agricultural Communications Program, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois., 28 pages., Proposal to Title XII Representative William N. Thompson from the International Extension Committee, College of Agriculture, of faculty members representing five fields of study: Library and Information Science, Agricultural Communications, Rural Sociology, Extension Administration and Education, and Agricultural Education. This document includes the proposal and a report from an external consultant with experience involving the Land Tenure Center at the University of Wisconsin.
6 pages, The char land of Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate change. There are changes in extreme weather events. Impact of climate change resulted feminization of agricultural practices. Number of development interventions have been taken to skill the rural community to take adaptation action on agriculture. Development interventions taken in the char land of Dimla, Nilphamari were studied from June 2018 to December 2019 to identify the capacity of climate change adaptation interventions using the information and communication technology to empower women. Mobile Phone Use Index study found that nearly threefourth of rural female farmers were capable to manage knowledge on climate change adaptation if their access to device was ensured. Inclusion of women in the technology playing a very important role towards transformative leadership. Nearly 85% of the women farmers have high environmental awareness; likely to be contributory to adaptation knowledge management. Community themselves identified them more resilient comparing with areas where promotion of technology is not supported. Institutes with the capacity of information technology promotion could be the hub of resilience knowledge management for women, but external supports are required there. Self-motivation supported by project intervention has created notable capacity of a good number of women who could be the mentor of women transformative leadership towards resilience.
Murdock, Graham (author), Rowe, Gene (author), Pidgeon, Nick (author), Horlick-Jones, Tom (author), Walls, John (author), Poortinga, Wouter (author), and O'Riordan, Tim (author)
Format:
Book
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
United Kingdom: Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, England.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C26047
Enghel, Florencia (author) and International Association for Media and Communication Research, London, UK.
Format:
Abstract
Publication Date:
2010-07-18
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 179 Document Number: C36284
Notes:
Retrieved 03/22/2011, Via online. Pages 13-14 in Book of Abstracts: Participatory Communication Research Section of the IAMCR Conference, Braga, Portugal, July 18-22, 2010.
Garrucio, Maria (author / Bioversity International) and International Association of Agricultural Librarians and Documentalists.
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
2009-02-19
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 172 Document Number: C28920
Notes:
3 pages., Summary of discussion during a session about this subject at ShareFair held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, January 20-22, 2009.
6 pages., ISSN: 2311-6110, via online journal., Agricultural universities invest substantial resources in postgraduate research that generate knowledge products. These are aimed at providing solutions to practical constraints impeding increased productivity in the agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in Kenya's economic development. Using a case study of Egerton University, this study aimed to determine the strategies most frequently used to share the generated knowledge products, and to find out their preferences of the knowledge sharing strategies in use. The actors' perception of the relevance and accessibility of the knowledge products generated at the University was also examined. The study was conducted through desktop study which reviewed the Masters and Doctorate Theses that targeted livestock value chain actors generated between January 2005 and December 2011. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to collect data from a sample size of 198 actors. The findings indicated that the knowledge products were 25 to 29 times more likely (P<0.001) to be disseminated through the library than any other sharing strategy examined. The sampled actors in livestock value chain perceived media briefs to be the most accessible with a mean of 4.26. The Masters Theses were perceived as more relevant to their needs with a mean of 4.07. The findings indicate that the livestock value chain actors were not fully utilizing the knowledge sharing strategies used to reach them. The study concluded that the defined primary beneficiaries of knowledge products from the university were not effectively reached.
Purpose: The impact of agricultural knowledge transfer (KT) is related to the access to and the quality of services available. Within this context, the allocation of resources in terms of KT offices and the number of advisers are important considerations for understanding KT impact. This quantitative study evaluates the impact of KT resources on farm profitability for clients in Ireland during the recessionary period 2008–2014.
Design/Methodology: Teagasc, the public KT service provider in Ireland, experienced significant office closures (43%) and a reduction in advisers (38%) during the economic crisis, yet client numbers declined only slightly (4.5%). Administrative data are merged with a panel data set on farm-level performance to evaluate the impact through Random Effects estimation.
Findings: The results show that clients gained a 12.3% benefit to their margin per hectare over the period. However, there was a negative effect of 0.2% for each additional client assigned to the adviser which averaged at 9.6%.
Practical Implications: The quantitative findings provide a measure of impact that represents the value for money for the KT service. The key implication is that the client ratio for advisers should be considered when allocating resources and lower ratios would positively impact client margins.
Theoretical Implications: This article outlines the value of quantitative studies to estimate impact in a clear translatable manner which can aid the policy discussion around resource deployment.
Originality/Value: This study evaluates the impact of KT during a recessionary period when resources were constrained, and uses client ratios to examine the spatial effects.