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 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 was to improve agricultural productivity through market-oriented development to enhance livelihoods for rural populations. The twenty eight Agricultural Knowledge Centers 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 findings reveal 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 practice does impact the structural and cognitive social capital that enhances inter-center knowledge sharing. Comprehensive future studies are recommended for valid conclusions.