IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER MEDIA ON FISH FARMERS IN THREE PROVINCES OF SOUTH AFRICA

Khalid Salie*, Wendy Engel
Department of Animal Sciences (Aquaculture), Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602
Republic of South Africa
ks1@sun.ac.za
 

South Africa has a myriad of irrigation reservoirs and water networks that can be potentially used for integrated aquaculture-agriculture practices. Rising demands for water usage have created needs for the efficient application of knowledge. To achieve successful knowledge transfer, the Water Research Commission funded a project entitled "Knowledge transfer on water resource management for improved integrated aquaculture and agriculture systems":

The sampling areas were located in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces. The specific objectives were:

∙βto determine farmers' perception on role and value of technology transfer in innovation and performance

∙βto understand the farmers' demand for technology transfer specifically applying innovative information, communication and technology,

∙βto establish the influence of farmers' preferences and attitudes on the design and successful implementation of technology

Bozeman's contingency effectiveness model of technology transfer was used to measure the effectiveness of two technology transfer products, inter alia, i) Training Manual on Freshwater Aquaculture and ii) Guide for Small-Scale Aquaculture Producers. The respondents included both fish farmers and government extension officers.

Preliminary results show that the transfer medium has significant impact on design and effectiveness of product needs and transferability. Despite widespread distribution of given manuals on web online platforms, CD and hard print copies, 82% of respondents were not aware of existence. Survey results confirmed the incumbent role of transfer agents (primarily extension officers) for dissemination of such products. Insights from this study may provide policy makers and the private sector with valuable information on the design of effective technology transfer programmes. Such initiatives can foster innovation, promote adoption to improve performance across the aquaculture value chain.