Agriculture Knowledge and Information Network in Sri Lanka: Perceptual Aspects of Agriculture Instructors (AIS)

Abstract

The prevailing approach of knowledge and information access in the developing world has characterized by problem identification and solving process, which is done by research scientists in research station. Later that new knowledge is transferred to farmers through extension agents (Wood et al, 2014). The role of Agriculture instructors (AIs) who act as extension officers is inevitably important to bridge the gap between farmers and Research officers. Similarly, the knowledge and information link of the AIs with other actors of the agriculture sector has greatly affected to the effective technology transfer mechanism. The institutional aspects of the knowledge transfer process have shown by analyzing the role of AIs as the contact agent of the Agricultural knowledge network. The study has designed to measure the knowledge network of AIs in Hambanthota District in Sri Lanka representing 30 AIs as the sample of the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was employed for the primary data collection. Stakeholder network of the AIs has shown significant impact on the knowledge transfer process. AI officers of the network have frequent linkages with research officers and farmers sharing knowledge and information on field level issues. The technology adaptation rate of the farmers is ranging from 40-60 percent. The selection of contact farmer has been a critical decision of AI officer due to his crucial role in the Agricultural knowledge network in Sri Lanka. More innovative, educated farmers are frequently being selected as contact farmers. Moreover, more experienced, influential farmers are heavily impacted on the technology transfer process in the rural agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Knowledge network. Agriculture Instructors, contact farmer, Adaptation, constraint and issues

JEL Classification: O15