Application of Knowledge Management Approach on Agricultural Development in Developing Countries

Agriculture is a core stone of the economy for the most of the developing countries in the world, and it is going to be fundamental base for further development of the other sectors as well. Nowadays, we can witness a period of dynamic changes and transformations that affect the rural areas in particular and the society in general. Today, Ethiopian agriculture is transforming from subsistence farming into market oriented sector of economy. Thus, leveraging knowledge is an essential element for the transformation of Ethiopian agriculture from subsistence farming into commercially successful sector. The main objective of the research study is to identify the current level of managing tacit and explicit knowledge by smallholders, and to examine the application of the Nonaka’s knowledge management approach in the agriculture of the developing countries. The study was conducted in the Wolaita Zone in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia covering 21 rural districts and 3 urban districts. Among them only 3 districts, such as Humbo, Areka from Boloso Sore Woreda and Boditti from Damot Gale Woreda, have been selected for this research study. In the total, 128 farmers were selected by using simple random sampling method. The research findings were measured and interpreted based on quantitative and qualitative data institution process techniques. The study concluded that despite the education level of the smallholder farmers integration of new technologies is in need. It is also recommended to create a possible model of linking appropriat knowledge with responsible institution for successful KM process in the country for further development.