Collective Action Through a ‘Communities of Practice’ Approach Improving post-crisis recovery through agricultural research Presented by Ravi Prabhu at the Workshop on Defining a Strategic Agricultural Research Agenda on Post-Crisis/Post-Shock Recovery in Highly Stressed Systems, Nairobi, May 22-23, 2008

Overview Regional Plan Approach to Collective Action Communities of Practice Adapting and Operationalising Conclusion

Communities of Practice Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Etienne Wenger

Enhancing capability Enable practitioners to take collective responsibility for managing the knowledge they need, as they are often in the best position to do this. Create a direct link between learning and performance, as the same people participate in communities of practice and in ‘operational’ units. Allows addressing the tacit and dynamic aspects of knowledge creation and sharing, as well as the more explicit aspects. Not limited by formal structures: they create connections among people across organizational and geographic boundaries.

Why CoP? Strategic capabilities Keeping abreast Innovation Retention of talents New strategies Problem solving Time saving Knowledge sharing Synergies Reuse of resources Organization Personal development Reputation Professional identity Network Marketability Help with challenges Access to expertise Confidence Meaningful work Fun with colleagues Members Long term value Short term value

Critical success factors Strategic relevance of domain Visible management sponsorship, but without micro-management Dance of formal and informal structures Adequate resources Consistent attitude Domain that energizes group Skillful and reputable coordinator Involvement of experts Address details of practice Right rhythm and mix of activities Organization Community

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