MAF Samoa and SPC develop knowledge management scan

The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in Samoa is organizing a knowledge management scan, an approach developed for Samoa as the Principal actor in lead in the area of agricultural and forestry policy development.

One of the objectives of this knowledge management scan is to Strengthen Knowledge Management and Communications Capacities’ in support of policy processes, value chains and agricultural extension.

The knowledge management scan is possible through the European Union supported Pacific Agriculture Policy Project, implemented by the Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community (SPC) and also the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CTA).

This aims to increase the capability of development needs of smallholder agriculture, by improving the linkages between small and medium farmers and markets. The training will complement the new agriculture sector plan which is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Samoa.

The knowledge management scan will provide the basis of establishing a management information system (MIS) which could improve the networking and collaboration among all divisions in MAF and also assist with efficient dissemination and communication between divisions.

The scan will also look into ways of effective implementation of the monitoring and evaluation framework that will be developed as part of the new Agriculture Sector Plan (ASP) to assess the impact of agricultural and fisheries projects.

Importantly, the contribution of agriculture sector to national GDP will be considerably increasing as predicted by agricultural planners, policymakers, producers etc The information and knowledge management (IKM) strategy 2015 – 2017 developed by the SPC will guide as to how the SPC might maximise delivery and uptake of relevant existing and deliver new knowledge products and services for the benefit of member countries. The IKM strategy will be promoted at regional and national level.

Author: 
SPC