Constraints experienced by agricultural scientists and extension personnel in rice knowledge management and delivery: a case of Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP)

Abstract

Objectives: To study the constraints experienced by agricultural scientists and extension personnel in utilising and accessing information related to rice from Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP). Methods/Statistical analysis: The research was conducted in purposively selected districts and simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Ex-post facto research design was used; Different categories of constraints were collected through literature review, expert opinion. Data was collected using semi structured interview schedule. A three point continuum of severity using LIKERT type scale was used for getting responses. Friedman’s test was used to finding most important constraint within each group. Findings: Agricultural scientists and extension personnel faced technological, social, economical and psychologic al constraints more severely. In case of technological constraints, lack of updated information, technical and infrastructure problems while using ICTs and poor maintenance of ICT tools were major constraints that agricultural scientists and extension personnel have faced. In case of social constraints, restriction to promote organisational information and less networking among extension personnel were found most limiting factors for using portal’s information. In case of psychological factors benefits given to particular group of people was found most severe and techno-phobia was found least affecting to respondents for utilising information. In case of economical constraints, high cost of internet and cost of computer/smart phones were limiting the use of information provided by RKMP. Application/Improvements: The finding will help in restructuring and incorporating necessary modification for reaching the unreached for effective dissemination of information and making portal more effective for users to ensure timely and relevant information.