Towards a capture tool for appropriate technologies identification and characterization in Colombian agricultural sector

Abstract

Knowledge management processes related to the transfer and acquisition of knowledge assets have become a core issue in agriculture extension and technical assessment services. Furthermore, mapping the adoption, application, and adaptation of technologies by agriculture producers promotes the traceability of innovation dynamics and specificities both from research and development activities as well as those generated by farmers' traditional knowledge. Appropriate technologies are considered objects, processes, practices, or ideas that enhance farm production units, according to agroecological, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. This paper comprises the design of a tool for identifying and characterizing appropriate technologies both from secondary and primary sources. The research methodology comprises a scientometric review of trends related to appropriate technologies, the selection of key dimensions and variables to map these techs, and the design of a digital instrument of capture. Finally, further steps are proposed to pilot the instrument and design an expert system to capture, validate, and evaluate technologies and adoption experiences.