Knowledge Management at KEFRI

Sheila Shefo Mbiru 1 and Joseph

Koech2

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

1 Head , Knowledge Management

2 Head, Librarian

Forum on Open Data and Open science in Agriculture

15 -18th June 2105

Introduction to KEFRI

KEFRI; State Corporation established in 1986 and mandated to undertake research in forestry and allied natural resources.

Mission: To conduct research and provide information and technologies for sustainable development of forestry and allied natural resources for socio-economic development

Mandate:•Conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources;•Disseminate research findings; and•Establish partnerships and cooperate with other research organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint research and training.

KEFRI RESEARCH THEMESThe institute conducts research and development activities under five thematic areas namely;•Forest Products Development (FPD)•Biodiversity and Environment Management (BEM)•Socio-Economics, Policy and Governance (SPG)•Forest Productivity and Improvement (FPI)•Technical Support Services (TSS)

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Knowledge Management in KEFRI•Kenya Forestry Research

Institute (KEFRI); generates knowledge through its research programs by developing technologies and knowledge products and services that make significant contribution to poverty alleviation, improved livelihoods, environmental conservation and forestry development in Kenya. 5

Knowledge Products• Datasets • Decision Support System • Print; Journal articles, Conference Proceedings,

Books, Technical Reports, Policy Briefs, Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures, Maps, Newsletters, Facts sheets

• Electronic Media; (Radio / TV ) • www.kefri.org• Multi Media (CDs, DVDs, Videos ..) • Field Days and Open Days, • Demonstration Plots, • ASK Shows• Social Media (Blogs, You tube, Facebook,

Twitter….)

Knowledge Services

Training Farmer Field Schools/Study

Tours Knowledge Exchange visits, Demonstrative training Consultancies Advisory Services Mapping Services

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• Although KEFRI manages its knowledge to some degree, there was no systematic, coordinated and integrated approach to drive the process.

• This has led to some stakeholders not being aware of technologies

developed by KEFRI, research oputputs not in appropriate formats and

therefore not widely disseminated; loss of knowledge, especially tacit knowledge when

KEFRI staff leave, retire or pass on leading to reduced productivity and duplication of effort; and

critical data, information and knowledge not properly captured and stored for easy access, sharing, use and reuse.

• KEFRI in recognition of the importance of knowledge as an asset and the importance of managing this knowledge; embarked on a process of insitutionalising knowledge management.

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Approach to creating KM Framework in KEFRIMeetings held with top management to

discuss how to institutionalize KM

Selection of a 8 Member KM Steering Committee to drive the institutionalizing process

Training of KM Steering CommitteeBenchmarking VisitsSensitization Seminars in all Centers and sub

Centers

Knowledge Audit – staff and selected stakeholders

Development of KM Strategy (2013 – 2018)

KM in KEFRI

The KEFRI KM Strategy is aligned with the KEFRI Strategic Plan (2013-2018)

Knowledge Management is one of KEFRIs strategic objectives and is entrenched into the KEFRI Corporate Strategy Map and is cascaded to all Centers and Divisions.

There is a newly established KM Section; implementing the KEFRI Knowledge Management Strategy and guiding institutionalization of KM in KEFRI.

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KEFRI Knowledge ManagementVision Excellence in information and knowledge management for sustainable forestry research and development.

MissionTo effectively manage information and knowledge to enhance access, application and adoption of forestry technologies and innovations for improved livelihoods and environmental conservation.

Objectives

Broad ObjectiveTo enhance efficiency in knowledge creation, capture, storage, processing, access, sharing and application for sustainable forestry research and development.

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2.5 KM Specific ObjectivesInstitutionalise Knowledge Management in order to enhance impact of KEFRI's knowledge products and services.

Strengthen ICT capacity and staff competence to improve information and knowledge capture, processing, access, sharing and application.

Enhance stakeholders' participation in knowledge creation and dissemination to improve KEFRI's profile and visibility in multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary forestry research.

Improve capacity to mobilise resources and institute monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for sustainable implementation of Knowledge Management.

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KM Activities Acquiring relevant infrastructure - Computers,

Servers, Internet Connectivity Development of Research Data Management

System Development of KEFRI Central Repository;

(electronic storage space hosted on a shared server where staff can store electronic records such as reports, images, video, audio, policy briefs,

Development of Policies including Data Management and Records Management Policies (Open access/ Open data ????)

Training and Knowledge Exchange Change management Collaboration initiated with various organizations

including ICRAF, Clinton Foundation and ILRI14

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Database

Server

Other Research Outputs

Data Management Policy

IFRI Databas

e

IPMDataba

se

KEFRI KAINET Activities

• 2,600 Publications Digitized• 1,500 digital publications

including metadata uploaded to KEFRIs Library Repository

• 20 Biodiversity books digitized and available on the Biodiversity Heritage Library Consortium Africa

• Uploaded 1000 Publications on WebAgris

Challenges in KM

• Data Ownership• Data Accessibility and availability• Fear of Plagiarism• Data Security• Reward and recognition• Capturing tacit K

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Way forward• Sensitization on benefits of open access and open

data• Development of institutional policies and guidelines• Initiate Mentoring and coaching programs• Initiate and formalize collaboration with

organizations implementing KM • Continued Digitization of KEFRI publications and

maintaining the intuitional repository• Development and management of KM Systems

(Research Data, Central Repository…Web and Mobile Based???)

• Develop proposals for resource mobilization to fund KM implementation activities

THANK YOU