Knowledge Creation and Flow in Agriculture: The Experience and Role of the Japanese Extension Advisors

This paper presents findings of a recent study on the experience and roles of agricultural extension advisors in the context of knowledge creation and flow in organizations. Data were collected through interviews with eleven principal and senior extension advisors and a consultant from different Prefectures and organizations as well as questionnaires from 135 extension advisors in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the study was to explore the preferences and roles played by extension advisors in relation to knowledge sharing among advisors, farmers and other stakeholders. Results show that the Japanese agricultural agencies are actively involved in facilitating knowledge creation within their organizations. The extension advisors, as intermediaries and catalysts, are the key links between farmers and the relevant agencies in terms of providing personalized and need-based information for decision-making.