Linking agricultural extension, decision support systems and context: implications for knowledge management practice

Abstract

There exists a substantial knowledge management challenge for organisations with responsibilities to mediate public interests. This challenge relates to the means by which knowledge assets are managed to integrate a hierarchy of knowledge in a continuum from the micro-level (individual), group (institutional / organisational), formal (peer-authorised) to the macro-level of focus (societal norms). The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of a specific program – FarmPlan 21.

FarmPlan21 was introduced within the Australian state of Victoria to promote the uptake of whole-farm planning practices. Through this initiative an objective has been to mediate private and public interests related to the integration of commercial and sustainable land management practices. The analysis of FarmPlan21 is presented through the lens of two different knowledge hierarchies – one for a farmer and one for an agricultural extension officer engaged within the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.