What to expect

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Introduction

Study unit overview

As an extension agent you need to appreciate that innovation is a collective process. In order to make different changes in technologies, practices, habits and procedures, collective learning and the exchange of knowledge needs to take place. In this unit you will learn to appreciate that there are different forms and types of knowledge related to similar topics and issues. You will also learn that knowledge can be obtained from different sources. These different types and forms of knowledge are complementary and as an extension agent you need to have an appreciation for this diversity. The way knowledge is communicated greatly influences the impact the knowledge has. In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the relationship between knowledge and communication, and how that connects to knowledge management

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Session 1.1: Different types and sources of knowledge
• Session 1.2: Communication to support appropriate flow of knowledge and learning
• Session 1.3: Innovation as a process of collective learning and knowledge exchange
• Conclusion

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Study Unit 1

Study unit overview

Communication often does not have the anticipated outcome. As an extension agent you may think you delivered a message and transferred knowledge but it does not have the desired effect. In this study unit, you will learn about the different ways information goes from a sender to a receiver, and what problems may occur that prevent effective communication. Sometimes it is enough to provide technical information in a written form (giving explicit knowledge), and sometimes you need to engage in joint experimentation with the farmer and stimulate learning (stimulating tacit knowledge exchange). This study unit will help you understand that different issues at hand may need a different approach from an extensionist. You will learn that as an extensionist you are a knowledge manager for the farmer, ensuring he or she gets the appropriate knowledge in the appropriate form. You will also learn that as an extensionist you should have your own knowledge management system in order to stay informed of the latest developments in farming, and get the latest results from research.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Session 2.1: Different communication models
• Session 2.2: Adapting communication models and intermediary roles to levels of agricultural innovation complexity
• Session 2.3: Extension as a knowledge management system
• Conclusion

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Study Unit 2

Study unit overview

Communication media are devices that use a combination of different kinds of communication channels to transmit information. This unit will provide an overview of the range of communication media and tools available to you to manage knowledge transfer and exchange. Different communication media and what purpose they can be used for will be discussed. Extension agents also need to familiarise themselves with modern information and communication tools (ICT) and how they can enhance rapid and cost-effective transfer and sharing of knowledge. This unit will look at some of the modern ICT tools available to extension agents and farmers.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Session 3.1: Different forms of communication media
• Session 3.2: Using ICT to enhance knowledge management
• Conclusion

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Study Unit 3