TRENDS IN KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION AND GENERATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: PERSPECTIVES OF NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Abstract

Purpose - The paper is based on a study conducted to investigate the phenomenon of knowledge production and generation in agricultural sector, with particular focus on the Nigerian agricultural research institutes.Methodology - Qualitative and quantitative approaches known as mixed methods were used through survey design to collect data from the population of research scientists and directors of the institutes.Findings - The findings show that the knowledge produced by the institutes include: genetic improvement of varieties of cereals, crops, roots, tubers and barley; wheat, rice, soybeans, sugarcane, beniseed, millet; crop production, breeding, weed control, value-addition techniques, fertility of soil and mechanisation; crop improvement and management practices; generation of agricultural technologies and management practices;  pest management, agronomic practices and improved seeds; fish production and management practices. The study found that generations of explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge was high in the institutes: explicit knowledge generation was enhanced by the constant documentation of research findings and research reports, seminars, workshops and conference papers; while tacit knowledge generation was facilitated by knowledge sharing through formal and informal engagements such as review meetings, cropping scheme meetings and regular staff meetings.Research implications – Stimulate Nigeria to become self-sufficient in feeding its own people by investing in the agricultural knowledge production to drive research and innovation in the sector since knowledge production is a critical tool in innovation, research and development. Social implications – The study provides a deeper understanding of various phenomena pertaining to the knowledge production and generation in the agricultural sector which could serve as a basis for re-evaluation, re-strategising and re-focusing knowledge management practices in the research institutes. Originality/value - The originality of the study lies in its ability to investigate how concepts and variables from the Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) and another three theories/models played out in the context of Nigerian agricultural research institutes. The study contributes to policy, theory, practice and society.