Written by Sharon Abiodun
Certified Knowledge Manager & Communication Intern, IITA Communication & Knowledge Center, Ibadan, Nigeria.
It was a thrilling experience participating in the KM4AgD challenge and conference in Kigali, Rwanda as part of the 2024 Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference #SPAC2024. The KM4AgD Challenge which ran from April to June 2024 was an enriching experience that broadened my understanding of Knowledge Management. Even though I had read about knowledge management before the challenge, being a part of the challenge gave me a fresh perspective especially the diverse sessions with knowledge experts who shared practical insights and innovative approaches to Knowledge management at various levels.
The challenge took a participative approach where we had group & individual presentations, group discussions, and the knowledge café. It was challenging to discover that many African agricultural organizations have valuable knowledge but struggle to manage or don’t know that they can manage knowledge.
One of my major highlights was drafting a policy brief on including women and people with disabilities in agricultural KM policies which I presented at the KM4AgD Conference in Rwanda. I believe it would change the face of knowledge management in African agriculture, in terms of inclusivity.
Receiving my certification as a Knowledge Manager for Sustainable Development was a proud moment that marked a significant milestone in my professional journey.
One lesson I learned that was inspired by the theme of the conference and my reflection is the necessity of Adapting KM practices to the unique challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss in Africa. Knowledge Management must be quick and zestful and must leverage Indigenous knowledge to build resilient agricultural systems.
Also, I learned that Knowledge alone isn’t as powerful as knowledge sharing and Knowledge management is most effective when it is targeted, integrated, and systematic – ‘KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IS POWER’.
At the #SPAC2024 Conference in Rwanda, I had a great time networking with fellow participants from across Africa, whom I had only interacted with online for 3months. I also enjoyed listening to agricultural experts proffer solutions to many agricultural problems. I particularly enjoyed Prof Linus Opara’s presentation on how partnership can address some of the major challenges in Agriculture. His presentation revealed that Africa has everything it needs including the money to change the face of agriculture in Africa. However, after listening to all the solutions proffered, I had so many questions left unanswered.
As I move forward, I plan to be a KM champion in whatever organization I find myself starting from the organization where I presently intern. I am particularly interested in ensuring that KM practices are particularly inclusive of people with disabilities.
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