This past week I received an alert from my phone letting me know I was starting to run low on storage. This made me think about the rate with which data are generated across so many different platforms every day around the world - over 2.5 quintillion bytes (a one with 18 zeros) - and this number only continues to grow. In agriculture, data about soil conditions, climate patterns, crop yields, and more contribute to this number. This is in addition to the social science and local expertise which also exists, many times in informal channels. Separating valuable insights from excess noise is a challenge, especially within Extension networks that support farmers, communities, and the food system. Despite the vast body of research on knowledge management in general, limited studies address how to implement it effectively within Extension. Working with a team of amazing collaborators this research identifies core capacities for successful knowledge management in Extension networks, helping to provide a foundation for how to begin implementing effective knowledge management strategies.
Key Findings
Enabling Learning Exchanges: Extension networks should create opportunities for members to learn from each other through regular in-person meetings and collaborative activities. This face-to-face interaction is crucial for knowledge transfer, especially in areas with limited access to digital resources.
Fostering Networking: Building a robust network where members can share information and resources is essential for effective knowledge management. Networking strengthens connections within the Extension network, creating a foundation for long-term collaboration and resource sharing.
Providing Accessible Resources: Making tools, activities, and best practices available in a format that stakeholders can easily understand and use ensures that knowledge is accessible to all stakeholders. Accessibility increases the likelihood that valuable information will be put into action.
Nurturing a Culture of Knowledge Sharing: A supportive culture is key to successful knowledge management. Extension networks must encourage all levels of the organization to actively share and contribute their insights, building a collective pool of knowledge that benefits the entire network.
Documenting Best Practices: Centralizing the documentation of knowledge—such as success stories, effective practices, and learning resources—helps Extension professionals retain valuable information. This practice also ensures that lessons learned can be shared with others, even as staff and stakeholders change over time.
Practical Implications
Build Systems for Interaction-Driven Knowledge Sharing: Extension networks should prioritize systems that support in-person exchanges, recognizing that in certain contexts, face-to-face interactions may be more practical than digital solutions.
Promote a Knowledge-Sharing Culture: Before launching knowledge management activities, Extension networks should assess and cultivate a culture of active sharing to ensure members are willing to contribute to the knowledge base.
Invest in Flexible Knowledge Platforms: Establishing a centralized platform for knowledge management, adaptable to each network’s unique context, will help organize and disseminate information effectively. However, the specific technologies are less important than their accessibility and usability by stakeholders.
Effective knowledge management in Extension networks is essential not just for collecting data, but for organizing, sharing, and making that information accessible and actionable for Extension stakeholders. As the food system experiences an influx of new data daily, Extension networks should think about knowledge management systems as a way to transform raw information into practical insights that can drive decision-making, innovation, and sustainable practices. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments below. I've also included the full article if you would like to learn more.
Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., Davis, K., & Swaroop, B. J. (2017). Identifying knowledge management capacity needs of rural advisory service networks. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 24(2), 93-106. https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2017.24207
Comments