Information Sharing among Actors in Dairy Innovation Platforms
Abhishek Jadhav *
Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
B. S. Meena
Division of Dairy Extension, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Girish C. E.
Division of Dairy Extension, Eastern Regional Station, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
H. R. Meena
Division of Extension Education, ICAR - Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Dairy farming is a cornerstone of global food security, serving as a primary source of nutrition for a burgeoning world population. Information sharing, a fundamental practice of exchanging knowledge and data, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the dairy sector's productivity and sustainability. This study delves into the intricacies of information exchange within the context of dairy innovation platforms (IPs) dynamic collaborative spaces where diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, input suppliers and extension personnels etc., converge to address common challenges. Taking place both physically and virtually, dairy IPs facilitates collective problem-solving, with each member contributing their unique expertise to foster a win-win collaborative environment. This research article draws from a comprehensive investigation conducted in Haryana (India), focusing on two districts with substantial bovine populations i.e., Karnal and Hisar. These districts are home to multiple agricultural research institutes, universities and innovation platforms actively engaged in the dairy sector. Data were gathered randomly from 140 dairy actors, that includes researchers, extension personnels, input suppliers and dairy farmers, all with a minimum of five years of experience in their respective fields. Information sharing was evaluated through responses to specific dairy-related topics such as breeding, feeding, healthcare and management practices, collected during March 2017. Our findings reveal a dynamic landscape of information sharing among different actors within the dairy innovation platform. Researchers emerge as key contributors to topics like animal breeding (27.87%) and extreme weather control, while extension personnel excel in areas like pregnancy diagnosis and disbudding. Dairy Farmers, constituting the largest group, exhibit a keen interest in concentrate composition and green fodder types. Dairy farming serves as a critical pillar in meeting the nutritional needs of our ever-expanding global population and the information sharing is fundamental to enhancing its productivity and sustainability.
Keywords: Innovation platforms (IPs), dairy actors, information sharing, dairy farming
How to Cite
References
Adekunle AA, Fatunbi AO. Approaches for setting-up multi-stakeholder platforms for agricultural research and development. World Applied Sciences Journal. 2012;16(7):981-988.
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). Strategy and lessons sharing forum. Synthesis report. Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP). Accra, Ghana: FARA; 2009.
Kilelu CW, Klerkx L, Leeuwis C. Unravelling the role of innovation platforms in supporting co-evolution of innovation: Contributions and tensions in a smallholder dairy development programme. Agricultural Systems. 2013;118: 65-77.
Makini FW, Kamau GM, Makelo MN, Adekunle W, Mburathi GK, Misiko M, Pali P, Dixon J. Operational field guide for developing and managing local agricultural innovation platforms. Nairobi. Kenya. KARI. 2013;92.
Mohammad A, Gupta J, Kumar RS, Subash S. linage pattern among actors of milk production innovation system in coastal saline soil zone of West Bengal (India). Journal of Global Communication. 2012;5(1):39-43.
Njuki J, Pali P, Nyikihadzoi K, Olaride P, Adekunle A. Monitoring and evaluation strategy for the sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program. Accra, Ghana; 2010.
Nederlof S, Wongtschowski M, Van der Lee F. Putting heads together: Agricultural innovation platforms in practice. Bulletin 396. Amsterdam, the Netherlands: KIT Publishers; 2011.
Pali PN, Swaans K. Guidelines for innovation platforms: Facilitation, monitoring and evaluation. ILRI Manual 8. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI; 2013.
Swaans K, Boogaard B, Bendapudi R, Taye H, Hendrickx S, Klerkx L. Operationalizing inclusive innovation: lessons from innovation platforms in livestock value chains in India and Mozambique. Innovation and Development. 2014;4(2):239-257.
Swaans K, Puskur R, Taye H, Haile AG. A monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the performance of innovation platforms in the context of livestock value chains. ILRI CGIAR Discussion Paper. 2013;24:8-9.