Overcoming barriers to efficient farm management: the role of knowledge and information management in the rural advisory sector

This study was conducted among agricultural advisors employed in both the public agricultural advisory centres as well as in private consulting firms. The aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate the importance of knowledge and information in the problem solving process of clients receiving advice. In the study, the following objectives were identified: analysis of the source of knowledge and information, assessment of the impact of agricultural information and knowledge system on the farm efficiency and development. The study involved 3,921 agricultural advisors based in Poland. The research sample elicited 475 detailed responses. Hence, information obtained during the study may provide a solid basis to reach general inferences. An analysis of the data elicits the conclusion that knowledge and information management are essential tools in the process of providing advice to clients, for the problem solving process, and therefore in making the best decisions. The modern economy is based on knowledge. This applies equally to the agribusiness. Knowledge management in this sector differs from this type of processes in other departments and sectors of the national economy due to the nature of agriculture. However, the significance of these processes is increasing and now it's also an important part of management in agribusiness.