Prospects for the use of corporate knowledge bases in the generation, management and communication of knowledge at a frontline agricultural research centre

Abstract The farming systems research and extension paradigm demands effective integration of knowledge from a range of sources in planning, implementing and evaluating research and extension activities. Constraints to improved research efficacy occur in relation to knowledge acquisition, storage and retrieval of knowledge and use of this information in planning research and in the production of research outputs. The development of knowledge bases through the application of knowledge-based systems technologies is posed as a partial solution to these constraints. Implementing this approach at a corporate level within front-line agricultural research centres may significantly facilitate knowledge acquisition, storage and access and its use in planning research and extension. This proposal is assessed through a needs analysis case study evaluation of flows of knowledge at Pakhribas Agricultural Centre, Nepal, a representative front-line national agricultural research centre.