Strategies for Knowledge Sharing Among Rice Farmers: A Ghanaian Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: This article investigates knowledge sharing practices amongst rice farmers in Ghana and suggests a strategy for improving knowledge sharing in rice farming communities in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: This study is underpinned by the pragmatic paradigm where concurrent triangulation mixed-method design was used for the study. Data was gathered with survey and interviews. A total sample of 110 was used, involving 101 survey respondents and 9 interview participants. The survey data was analyse descriptively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26. The interview finding was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed informal knowledge sharing practices among the rice farmers and suggests a strategy for knowledge sharing that involve partnerships between stakeholders in different sectors, such as government agencies, rice-farming communities; rice production-based NGOs, and researchers. Successful implementation of knowledge sharing would depend on finding and connecting the tools, technologies, and techniques practices. Limitations: The results could not be generalised to knowledge sharing practices among rice framers in Ghana because only three regions were targeted. There is a need for a quantitative comparative study of knowledge sharing by rice farmers in all regions where rice is produced in Ghana. Practical Implications: Rice is an agricultural cereal crop in Ghana and an important source of livelihood for rural poor households. It is consumed and cultivated by many people in the country. When rice farmers engage in efficient knowledge sharing practises knowledge will spread easily among rice farming communities resulting in sustainable agricultural practices that may eradicate hunger and poverty Effective knowledge sharing, offers great potential for addressing the challenges of rice production in Ghana. It will increase rice production, improve the quality of rice yield and safeguard the quality of the natural environment simultaneous. Originality/Value: This article adds to the body of knowledge on knowledge sharing from an agricultural perspective with specific reference to rice farming. Effective knowledge sharing will enhance food security, alleviate climate change challenges, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, thus contributing toward the realisation of Goal 2 of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The findings of this article form part of the finding of the doctoral studies.

Social Media, Knowledge Management, and Learning in Farmer Innovation

“…According to knowledge management theory, acquiring, integrating, and creating new and valuable knowledge are key to maintaining a competitive advantage for enterprises and significantly influence the enterprise's performance and sustainable development [39]. In the field of agriculture, farmers' knowledge management has long been considered an important factor in determining the quality of agricultural operations [40]. Agricultural entrepreneurship mostly involves small and micro-scale operations, and the comprehensive quality and ability of farmers often determine the success or failure of agricultural entrepreneurship.…”