Knowledge management systems and education for building smallholder resilience to climate change
Abstract
Two types of knowledge management systems (KMS) – indigenous (or farmer-led) systems and scientific knowledge management systems, coupled with education and training – combine to produce knowledge that can be used by smallholder farmers to achieve Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in an era of changing climate. From the perspective of smallholder farmers, the keys to effective CSA knowledge management systems include: strengthening their inclusion and leadership roles in these systems; increasing the capacity of extension support services and advisors relative to sharing CSA knowledge; and placing the greatest emphasis on support for local and indigenous knowledge systems. Effective CSA knowledge management requires direct collaboration with farmers, as well as the development of farmer-focused knowledge products. In addition, capacity building should be tailored to the specific needs of each stakeholder group. This chapter seeks to identify the different sources of knowledge produced from indigenous and scientific knowledge management systems and examines how these systems can be combined to develop a unique KMS that will benefit farmers and researchers alike. This chapter recommends co-production of knowledge through education and training. Co-production of knowledge will enhance co-learning and co management of knowledge about KMS. According to Rariey and Fortun (2010), extreme weather events take a direct toll on agriculture and human livelihoods. Hence, education plays an essential role in increasing the adaptive capacity of communities and nations by enabling individuals to make informed decisions. Quality education designed for the purpose of empowering people to address climate change and live in sustainable ways is vital. All these require reliable agricultural knowledge and information. This chapter: 1) reviews existing knowledge management systems and models; 2) identifies the key drivers of KMS; 3) identifies the barriers to and opportunities for knowledge production; and 4) examines formal agricultural education and training in Africa. The findings presented here represent a useful starting point for framing a better understanding of how various knowledge management systems may be harnessed to: develop farmer-led solutions in supportive scientific environments; encourage adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture; and build resilience to climate change. Through co-learning and co-management, mutual accountability systems are established between farmers and researchers, changes in the practices and behavior of farmers and researchers are achieved, and the quality of shared knowledge and its application by farmers are enhanced. A case study approach is used.
Cite this
APA
Appeaning Addo, I., Codjoe, S. N. A., Rarieya, M., Rufaro, M., Chakeredza, S., Akwen, S. N., Njoroge, M., Wachira, P., Noordin, Q., & Emenanjo, I. (2014). Knowledge management systems and education for building smallholder resilience to climate change. In Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Eds.), Africa Agriculture Status Report: Climate Change and Smallholder Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (pp. 162–182). AGRA.
Harvard
Appeaning Addo, I. et al. (2014) ‘Knowledge management systems and education for building smallholder resilience to climate change’, in Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (eds) Africa Agriculture Status Report: Climate Change and Smallholder Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. AGRA, pp. 162–182.
BibTeX
@incollection{appeaningaddo2014knowledge,
author = {Appeaning Addo, I. and Codjoe, S.N.A. and Rarieya, M and Rufaro, M. and Chakeredza, S. and Akwen, S.N. and Njoroge, M. and Wachira, P. and Noordin, Q. and Emenanjo, I.},
editor = {Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa},
title = {Knowledge management systems and education for building smallholder resilience to climate change},
booktitle = {Africa Agriculture Status Report: Climate Change and Smallholder Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa},
year = {2014},
pages = {162--182},
publisher = {AGRA},
address = {Nairobi}
}