Farmers’ knowledge management and communication practices in citrus production in Teso sub-region, Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge management and communication practices of citrus farmers in the Teso sub-region, with a focus on evaluating existing practices, analyzing the relationship between knowledge management and agronomic practices, and identifying challenges faced by farmers in managing and sharing knowledge related to citrus production. The study adopted the Knowledge Management model developed by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), which emphasizes the conversion between tacit and explicit knowledge. The study also adopted a mixed methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data, where cross-sectional data were collected from a sample size of 268 respondents in Gweri and Arapai sub-counties in Soroti district, Uganda. The findings reveal gender and age disparities in farming activities, limited access to information and resources, and a significant reliance on community-based learning. The age distribution shows a significant presence of older farmers, with younger farmers underrepresented. Older farmers are less likely to adopt modern technologies, necessitating age-appropriate training programme memes to facilitate technology adoption. Younger farmers, more receptive to digital tools, should be encouraged to act as community facilitators. Most respondents own small citrus farms, with a considerable proportion owning less than an acre. Small farm sizes imply limited financial resources and lower risk tolerance, consistent with observations that small-scale farmers face more significant barriers to adopting new technologies. Consequently, knowledge dissemination strategies should focus on low-cost, lowrisk solutions tailored to small-scale farming. The predominant cultivation of oranges over other citrus varieties aligns with market demand and adaptability, suggesting the need for area-specific agricultural practices and knowledge management strategies. Knowledge management practices among citrus farmers reveal that the primary sources of information are radios, training/workshops, and farmer cooperatives. However, there is a significant reliance on experienced farmers and local extension officers, highlighting the importance of community-based learning. The limited involvement of extension workers due to resource constraints underscores a significant support gap.