In an ambitious move to bridge the knowledge gap in agricultural research, CCARDESA, with the support of the European Union under the implementation of IFAD, funded the CAADP-XP4 Programme and organized a hands-on Research to Extension and Social Media Engagement training workshop. This event which was held at the Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside from the 18th to 21st September 2023, gathered together Information, Communication, and Knowledge Management (ICKM) focal point persons from ten SADC countries.
The central mission was straightforward yet transformative: introduce these professionals to the art and science of creating research-to-extension (R2E) videos and maximizing social media engagement within their respective institutions. In a digital era characterized by the swift spread of information, these tools have become indispensable for broadcasting research findings and engaging with a wide-ranging audience.
Highlighting the critical intersection of research dissemination and the effective use of digital platforms, the workshop emphasized the urgency of leveraging digital tools, notably video production and social media platforms, for maximal societal impact. Thembi Ngotho of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) remarked in her opening remarks that, "Knowledge Management can amplify agricultural research and foster data-based decisions.”Ms Thembi also hinted that the training workshop was happening at a time when there is so much technology and information that had been developed by researchers which can only be relevant if it is accessed by farmers. "It is important that you discuss the knowledge that resides in researchers and extension and how best it can reach the farmers using communication platforms."
Complementing this sentiment, Farming & Technology for Africa (FTA)’s Managing Director, Mr. Andrianjafy Rasoanindrainy also known as Andri Raso, highlighted the tangible benefits of modern tools like videos and social media, citing their efficacy in enhancing information collection, precision, and accessibility.
One of the many high points of the workshop was the passionate plea by Paul Astu, the 2021 KM4AgD Challenge Champion, popularly known as "Mr. Twitter." Astu extolled the virtues of platforms like Twitter, stating it's the singular place where direct interactions with global leaders, including presidents, become feasible due to their active presence.
In an immersive experience, participants didn't just learn in theory. They were also tasked with producing videos under specific themes during their visit to the Agricultural Research Council in Pretoria, South Africa. These ranged from introducing the ARC-Vegetable, Industrial, and Medicinal Plants campus to exploring innovations in bio-based circular agricultural processes.
A visit for practical video production at the ARC
The workshop's ripple effect promises to be enduring. Mrs. Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo, CCARDESA's ICKM Officer, voiced her gratitude towards the member states, emphasizing their crucial role in populating the knowledge hub with invaluable agricultural research information. “CCARDESA highly depended on Member states to populate the knowledge hub with agricultural research information” she intimated.
Echoing the event's prevailing ethos, she encouraged all to actively implement the acquired knowledge, enhancing both their skills and contributions to the sector.
Representatives from Botswana, Eswatini, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia left the event not just enlightened but also armed with practical skills in video production, social media strategies, and content uploading for CCARDESA's knowledge hub.
