TRENDS IN KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION AND GENERATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: PERSPECTIVES OF NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/1088Keywords:
Knowledge management, Knowledge production, Agricultural research institutes, Agriculture, Nigeria.Abstract
Purpose - The paper is based on a study conducted to investigate the phenomenon of knowledge production and generation in agricultural sector, with particular focus on the Nigerian agricultural research institutes.
Methodology - Qualitative and quantitative approaches known as mixed methods were used through survey design to collect data from the population of research scientists and directors of the institutes.
Findings - The findings show that the knowledge produced by the institutes include: genetic improvement of varieties of cereals, crops, roots, tubers and barley; wheat, rice, soybeans, sugarcane, beniseed, millet; crop production, breeding, weed control, value-addition techniques, fertility of soil and mechanisation; crop improvement and management practices; generation of agricultural technologies and management practices;Â pest management, agronomic practices and improved seeds; fish production and management practices. The study found that generations of explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge was high in the institutes: explicit knowledge generation was enhanced by the constant documentation of research findings and research reports, seminars, workshops and conference papers; while tacit knowledge generation was facilitated by knowledge sharing through formal and informal engagements such as review meetings, cropping scheme meetings and regular staff meetings.
Research implications – Stimulate Nigeria to become self-sufficient in feeding its own people by investing in the agricultural knowledge production to drive research and innovation in the sector since knowledge production is a critical tool in innovation, research and development.
Â
Social implications – The study provides a deeper understanding of various phenomena pertaining to the knowledge production and generation in the agricultural sector which could serve as a basis for re-evaluation, re-strategising and re-focusing knowledge management practices in the research institutes.
Â
Originality/value - The originality of the study lies in its ability to investigate how concepts and variables from the Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) and another three theories/models played out in the context of Nigerian agricultural research institutes. The study contributes to policy, theory, practice and society.
Metrics
References
Addom, B.A. (2010), Knowledge brokering in the digital age: the case of an agricultural innovation system (PhD thesis). Syracuse University.
Allee, V. (1997), “12 Principles of knowledge managementâ€. Training and Development, 51(11): 71-74 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7506-9842-9.50009-X
Alene, A.D., Manyong, V.M., Tollens, E.F. and Abele, S. (2007), “Targeting agricultural research based on potential impacts on poverty reduction: strategic program priorities by agro-ecological zone in Nigeriaâ€. Food Policy, 32(2007): 394-412. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2006.07.004
Argote, L., McEvily, B. and Reagans, R. (2003), “Managing knowledge in organizations: an integrative framework and review of emerging themesâ€. Management Science, 49(4): 571-82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.49.4.571.14424
Argyris, C. and Schon, D. (1978), Organisational learning: a theory of action perspective. Reading, Mass: Addison, Wesley.
A.R.C.N. (2008), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Abuja, Nigeria. Available at: www.arcn.gov.ng
Assefa, H., Egziabher, T., Sehai, E. and Tegegne, A. (2011), “Agricultural knowledge management in dairy production improvement: the case of Bure Woreda, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regionâ€. The IUP Journal of Agricultural Economics, VIII(4): 30-40.
Awad, E. M. and Ghaziri, H. M. (2004), Knowledge management. Pearson Prentice Hill: New Jersey.
Aybuke, A., Daneshga, F. and Ward, J. (2008), Investigating knowledge management practices in software development organisations: an Australian experience. Information and Software Technology, 50, (6), 511-533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2007.05.005
Babbie, E. and Mouton, J. (2001), The practice of social research. Oxford University Press: Cape Town.
Bagshaw, M. (2000), “Why knowledge management is here to stayâ€. Industrial and Commercial Training, 32(5): 179-82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00197850010345827
Beintema, N.M. Stads, G.-J. (2004), “Investing in Sub-Saharan African agricultural research: Recent Trendsâ€. Vision 2020 Africa Conference Brief 8, IFPRI, Washington, DC, USA.
Boisot, M. (1987), Information and organizations: the managers as anthropologist. Fontana/Collins: London.
Boisot, M. H. (1998), Knowledge assets: securing competitive advantage in the information economy. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
Briggs, J. (2005), “The use of indigenous knowledge in development: problems and challengesâ€. Progress in Development Studies 5(2): 99-114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1464993405ps105oa
Brokensha, D., Warren, D., and Werner, O. (eds) (1980), Indigenous knowledge systems and development. University Press of America: Lanham.
Central Intelligence Agency of the United States (2014), “Nigeria: population and economyâ€. World FactBook, accessed via Google Scholar 15/03/2014
Chapman, R. and Slaymaker, T. (2002), “ICTs and rural development: review of the literature, current interventions and opportunities for actionâ€. ODI working Paper 192. London: ODI.
Creswell, W. J. (2003), Research design, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publishing: London.
Creswell, J.W. and Plano, C.V. (2007), Designing and conducting mixed method approaches. Sage Publishing: Thousand Oaks.
Daramola, A., Ehui, S., Ukeje, E., Mclntire, J. (2008), “Agricultural export potentialâ€. In: Collier, P., Soludo, C., Patillo, C. (Eds), Economic policy options for a prosperous Nigeria. Palgrave Macmillan: New York
De Villiers, A. K. (1996), “Quantifying indigenous knowledge: a rapid method for assessing crop performance without field trials. Agricultural research and extension network (AgREN)â€. Network paper no. 66. London: ODI.
Durrheim, K. and Painter, D. (2006), “Collecting qualitative data: sampling and measuringâ€. In. Terre Blanche, M., Durrheim, K. and Painter, D., (Eds), Research in practice: applied methods for the social sciences. University of Cape Town: Cape Town.
Engel, P. G. H. (1997), The social organization of innovation: a focus on stakeholder interaction. Royal Tropical Institute: Amsterdam.
EIA, (2012) U.S. Energy information administration. Nigeria. Available at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/countries/cab.cfm?fips=NI> (accessed 2/5/2014).
ETC East Africa. (2000), “Agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS) of Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Homa Bay and Kiambuâ€. Volume 6: executive summary.
Galindo, I. M. (2007), Regional development through knowledge creation in organic agriculture. Journal of Knowledge Management, 11 (5), 87-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270710819825
Gourlay, S. (2006), Conceptualizing knowledge creation: a critique of Nonaka’s theory. Journal of Management Studies, 43, 1415–1436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2006.00637.x
Grant, R.M. (1996), “Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firmâ€. Strategic Management Journal, 17(winter special issue): 109-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171110
Grant, R. M. (2005), Contemporary strategy analysis: concepts, techniques, application. Blackwell Publishing Limited: United Kingdom.
Greene, J.C. (2008), “Is mixed methods social inquiry a distinctive methodology?†Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 2(1): 7-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689807309969
Gregorio, M., Pedro, L. and Jose, N. (2008), Processes of knowledge creation in knowledge-intensive firms: empirical evidence from Boston’s Route 128 and Spain. Technovation, 28, 222-230. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2007.10.002
Ha, L., Okigbo, R.N. and Igboaka, P. (2008), “Knowledge creation and dissemination in DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810863852
Sub-Saharan Africaâ€. Management Decision, 46(3): 392-405.
Hahn, T., Olsson, P., Folke, C. and Johansson, K. (2006), “Trust-building, knowledge generation and organizational innovations: the role of a bridging organization for adaptive co-management of a wetland landscape around Kristianstad, Swedenâ€. Human Ecology, 34: 573-592. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-006-9035-z
Herman, A. V. B. (2013), “Three shapes of organizational knowledgeâ€. Journal of Knowledge Management, 17(2): 159-174. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13673271311315141
Hoffmann, V., Probst, K., and Christinck, A. (2007), “Farmers and researchers: how can collaborative advantages be created in participatory research and technology development?†Agriculture and Human Values, 24: 355-368. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-007-9072-2
Hjalager, A. (2002), “Repairing innovation defectiveness in tourismâ€. Tourism Management, 23(5): 465-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(02)00013-4
Ichijo, K. (2002), The strategic management of knowledge. Oxford University Press: New York.
Inkpen, A.C. and Dinur, A. (1998), “Knowledge management processes and international joint venturesâ€. Organisation Science, 9(4): 454-468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.9.4.454
Israel, G. D. (2012), Determining sample size. Program evaluation and organizational development. University of Florida: IFAS, POED-6. Available at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Accessed 12/10/2014.
Joshi, P. K., Suresh P., and Pratap S. B. (2001), “Impact of agricultural research: some evidencesâ€. Economic and Political Weekly, 36(11): 911-913.
Kaniki, A. M. and Mphahlele, M. E. K. (2002), Indigenous knowledge for the benefit of all: can knowledge management principles be used effectively? South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 68(1),1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7553/68-1-753
Koutsouris, A. and Papadopoulos, D. (1998), “Extension functions and farmers‘attitudes in Greeceâ€. In: Röling, N. G. and M.A. E. Wagemakers. (eds), Facilitating sustainable agriculture: participatory learning and adaptive management in times of environmental uncertainty. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Kogut, B. and Zander, U. (1992), “Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technologyâ€. Organization Science, 3(3): 383-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.3.3.383
Knight, L. and Harland, C. (2005), “Managing supply network: organizational roles in network
Managementâ€. European Management Journal, 23(3): 281-92.
Krejcie, R. V. and Morgan, D. W. (1970), Determining sample size for research activities. Educational Psychological Measurement, (30), 607-610. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447003000308
Lam, A. (2000), “Embedded firms, embedded knowledge: problems in collaboration and knowledge transfer in global cooperative venturesâ€. Organization Studies, 21(3): 487-513. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840600213001
Lwoga, E. and Ngulube, P. (2008), “Managing indigenous and exogenous knowledge through information and communication technologies for agricultural development and achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goalsâ€. In: Njobvu, B. and S. Koopman. (eds). Libraries and information services towards the attainment of the UN Millennium Goals. Walter de Gryuter: Berlin.
Lwoga, E. T. (2011), Knowledge management approaches in managing agricultural indigenous and exogenous knowledge in Tanzania. Journal of Documentation, 67 (3), 407-430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411111124523
Lwoga, E. T., Ngulube, P. and Stilwell, C. (2010), Managing indigenous knowledge for sustainable agricultural development in developing countries: knowledge management approaches in the social context. The International Information and Library Review, 42 (2010), 174-185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2010.10762862
Malan, L. C. and Kriger, M. P. (1998), “Making sense of managerial wisdomâ€. Journal of Managerial Inquiry, 7(3): 242-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/105649269873006
Manyong, V.M. Ikpi, A. Olayemi, J.K. Yusuf, S.A. Omonona, B.T. Okoruwa, V. and Idachaba, F.S. (2005), Agriculture in Nigeria: identifying opportunities for increased commercialization and investment. International institute of tropical agriculture: Ibadan, Nigeria.
Mellor, R. B. (2011), Knowledge management and information systems: strategy for growing organizations. Palgrave. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-28576-8
Miguel, B.N., Fanio, A., Barry, E. and Richard, W. (2006), “Knowledge management issues in knowledge-intensive SMEsâ€. Journal of Documentation, 62(1): 101-119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410610642075
Millar, D. (2004), “Interfacing two knowledge systems: local knowledge and science in Africaâ€. Paper presented at the Compas panel in the conference: Bridging scales and epistemologies: linking local knowledge with global science in multi-scale assessments, March 2004. Alexandria.
Metaxiotis, K. and Psarras, J. (2003), “Applying knowledge management in higher education: the creation of a learning organizationâ€. Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 2(4): 353-359. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219649203000541
Mudege, N. N. (2005), Knowledge production and dissemination in land resettlement areas in Zimbabwe: the case of Mupfurudzi (Ph.D. thesis). Wageningen University: Wageningen. Available at: http://library.wur.nl/wda/dissertations/dis3817.pdf. Accessed 23/6/2014.
Munyua, H.T. (2011), Agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKISs) among small-scale farmers in Kirinyaga district, Kenya (Ph.D. thesis). University of KwaZulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg.
McDowell, G. R. (2004), “The agricultural establishment: giving farmers too much of what they want and not enough of what they needâ€. Choices, (1st quarter): 39-42.
Mchombu, K. J. (2007), “Harnessing knowledge management for Africa‘s transition to the 21st Centuryâ€. Information Development, 23(1): 25-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666907075628
Nonaka, I (1991), “The knowledge-Creating Companyâ€. Harvard Business Review. 69(6): 96-104.
Nonaka, I. and Takeuchi, H. (1995), The knowledge creating company: how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford University Press: Oxford. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-6301(96)81509-3
Nonaka, I. and Konno, N. (1998), “The concept of Ba: building a foundation for knowledge creationâ€. California Management Review, 40(3): 41-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/41165942
Nahapiet, J. and Ghoshal, S. (1998), “Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/259373
advantageâ€. Academy of Management Review, 23(2): 242-266.
Oettie, N. and Koelle, B. (2003), Capitalising on local knowledge: community knowledge exchange. A toolkit for the preparation, implementation and evaluation of community-to-community knowledge and learning exchanges. Toolkit 1. Methodological overview & case studies. The World Bank, Africa Region, indigenous knowledge for development programme:Washington.
Rajasekaran, B., Martin, R. A. and Warren, D. M. (1993), “A framework for incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into agricultural extensionâ€. IK Monitor, 1(3): 21-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.1994.01104
Riley, B. (1998), “You are entering the age of the mind and thought on the knowledge societyâ€. Australian Library Journal, 47(2): 145-156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.1998.10755841
Robertson, M. and Swan, J. (1998), “Universal consultancy: a case study of modes of knowledge, power and egosâ€. Organization, 5(4): 543-564. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/135050849854006
Roling, N. G. and Wagemakers, M. A. E. (1998), Facilitating sustainable agriculture: participatory learning and adaptive management in times of environmental uncertainty. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Salomon, M. L. and Engel, P. G. H. (1997), Networking for innovation: windows and tools. Royal Tropical Institute: Wageningen.
Singh, M. (2010), “Knowledge based expert systems in organization of higher learningâ€. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/1741906.1742037
Proceedings of the international conference and workshop on emerging trends in
technology (ICWET ’10), ACM, New York, NY, 571-574.
Scoones, I. and Thompson, J. (1993), “Challenging the populist perspective: rural people’s knowledge, agricultural research and extension practiceâ€. Institute of development studies discussion paper 332. Brighton: IDS-IIED.
Shan, S., Zhao, Q. and Hua, F. (2013), “Impact of quality management practices on the knowledge creation process: the Chinese aviation firm perspectiveâ€. Computers and Industrial Engineering, 64: 211-223. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2012.09.011
Shehu, M. (2013), “Strategy for transforming agriculture and water resources sectors of Nigerian economyâ€. A Paper Presented at the International Engineering Conference Organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers in Abuja, Nigeria.
Sheppard, M. (2004), Appraising and using social research in the human services: an introduction for social work and health professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers: London.
Shrestha, R. B. (1996), “Trees: farmers‘ response to changeâ€. ILEIA Newsletter, 12(1): 20
Stefano, L. A., Hendriks, S. L., Stilwell, C. and Morris, C. (2005), “Printed information needs of small-scale organic farmers in KwaZulu-Natalâ€. Libri, 55: 56-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/LIBR.2005.56
Styhre, A. (2003), “Knowledge management beyond codification: knowing as practice/conceptâ€. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(5): 32-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270310505368
Teece, D.J., Pisano, G. and Shuen, A. (1997), “Dynamic capabilities and strategic managementâ€. Strategic management journal, 18(7): 509-533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199708)18:7<509::AID-SMJ882>3.0.CO;2-Z
Teece, D.J. (1998), “Research directions for knowledge managementâ€. California Management Review, 40 (3), 289-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/41165957
Teddlie, C. and Tashakkori, A. (2009), “General typology of research designs featuring mixed methodsâ€. Research in the Schools, 13(1): 12-28.
The World Bank. (1998), “World Bank development report 1998/99: knowledge for developmentâ€. Summary 1998/99. Washington: The World Bank. Available at: <http://www.worldbank.org/wdr/wdr98/> (accessed 15/01/2013).
The World Bank. (2010), World development report: development and climate change. The World Bank: Washington.
Von Krogh, G., Ichijo, K. and Nonaka, I. (2000), Enabling knowledge creation: how to unlock the mystery of tacit knowledge and release the power of innovation. Oxford University Press: New York. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195126167.001.0001
Von Liebenstein, G. (2000), “Interfacing global and indigenous knowledge: towards an indigenous knowledge information systemâ€. Paper presented to the sixth UNESCO-ACEID international conference on education. Information technologies in educational innovation for development: interfacing global and indigenous knowledge. Held 12-15 December 2000, The Imperial Queen‘s Park Hotel, Bankok, Thailand.
Warren, D. M. (1991), Using indigenous knowledge in agricultural development. World Bank discussion paper. The World Bank: Washington.
Yang, C.W., Fang, S.C. and Lin, J.L. (2009), “Organizational knowledge creation strategies: a conceptual frameworkâ€. International Journal of Information Management, 30: 231-238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2009.08.005
Zakaria, S. and Nagata, H. (2010), “Knowledge creation and flow in agriculture: the experience and role of the Japanese extension advisorsâ€. Library Management, 31(1/2): 27-35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121011013377
Zehrer, A. (2011), “Knowledge management in tourism - the application of Grant’s knowledge management model to Austrian tourism organizationsâ€. Tourism Review, 66(3): 50-64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/16605371111175320
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Accepted 2016-12-09
Published 2017-02-23