Effective management of agricultural knowledge systems (AKS): an analytical approach

The increasing importance of knowledge as a production factor and the growing ecosystemic approach to agricultural development have led to a more integrated view of agricultural knowledge generation, exchange and utilization as an interlocked system. A comparative analysis of successful agricultural knowledge systems has produced generalizations about their mechanics (or institutional aspects) and their dynamics (or management aspects). Six mechanisms are discussed which can help to optimalize agricultural knowledge systems. A description of dynamic equilibria in the system leads to discussion of eight managerial issues. The analytical systems approach to agricultural knowledge yields useful recommendations for improving the mechanics and dynamics of existing AKSs. -Authors