The document summarizes findings from a global survey of researchers on their attitudes towards openly communicating agricultural research outputs. The survey found that while traditional scholarly publishing is still preferred, researchers are increasingly using digital formats and open access routes. Barriers to open communication included a lack of resources and weak links to end users. Researchers said institutional policies and support for communication skills and technologies would help address these barriers. The findings suggest a need for strategic policy frameworks to promote more open sharing of agricultural knowledge.

1. Researcher
Attitudes and Behaviour
Towards the ‘Openness’
of Research Outputs
in Agriculture
and Related Fields
3rd IAALD Africa Chapter Conference
South Africa, 21-23 May, 2012
Online presented by Stephen Rudgard
Knowledge and Capacity for Development www.ciard.net
information@ciard.net

2. Region(s) where most respondents‘ work
is carried out.
Europe 4.6% Northern America 4.1%
Caribbean
6.9%
Asia and Pacific 23.7%
Africa 32.6%
Latin America 53.5%
Source: CIARD. Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

3. Frequencies of organisation type.
40%
37.5%
35%
32.4%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10.8%
10%
6.8% 6.6%
4.5% 4.1%
5%
1.5%
0%
Source: CIARD. Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

4. Primary activity of respondents.
in ing .
ra nfl
rch n/T n y I
ea tio sio lic
Re
s
uc
a ten t
y/P
o
Ex en /
E d / m ca
c m. mt
AS ge o m g
R
an
a
A dv Co fo.M
M In
Source: CIARD. Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

5. FACTORS ENCOURAGING
effective communication of research outputs
Most important:
- Institutional demands to report/communicate
- Opportunities for career enhancement
- Access to adequate IT infrastructure
- Acknowledgement of contributions
Less important:
- Direct monetary rewards
(related to royalties and
personal development)
Source: CIARD. Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

6. BENEFITS GAINED
by communicating research
Most important:
- Reaching the target audience
- Increased access to: a) resources/funding for work and
b) colleagues for problem solving
- Increased recognition/visibility for the organization
altruistic
Less important:
- Personal gain
(financial or personal status) © FAO
Source: CIARD Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

7. BARRIERS
preventing from communicating research
Most important:
- Lack of resources/time and funding
- Weak linkages between researchers and end users
- Lack of enabling institutional policies
Less important:
- Concerns about stealing and reuse of outputs
- Lack of skills/access to communication methods
- Poor IT infrastructure
Source: CIARD Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

8. ROUTES PREFERED
for communication of research outputs
Stronger preference
Traditional routes
- Scholarly publishing, conferences and seminars (3/4)
- Training materials (1/2), practical demonstr. (1/3)
Weaker preference
Broadcast/Mass media
- Newspapers (~8%), radio/TV (~15%), promo.mat.
© FAO
(~29%)
Modern methods (Internet enabled)
-Social media (~18%), repository/web (~29%)
Source: CIARD Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

9. SUPPORT MECHANISMS
for communicating research outputs effectively
Strong demand for support and training
- Web based social media
- Participatory research methods &
communications skills
(e.g. audio/video)
© FAO
Source: CIARD Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

10. RESEARCH OUTPUTS PRODUCED
Traditional print-based formats still predominate...
but digital ones are now penetrating (20-35%)
Most outputs are communicated
through openly accessible, no-cost routes.
Source: CIARD Global Survey for Researchers. 2011

11. THE WAY FORWARD
Making research outputs openly available
often relies on individuals.
Individuals’ behaviours can be influenced
by institutional factors/barriers.
Relevant strategic policy frameworks are
required to change institutional/
individual behaviours.

12. THE WAY FORWARD
These findings can be considered by
senior managers to review their
organizational policies.

13. Coherence in Information
for Agricultural Research for Development
A global movement that promotes and sustain
the openness of agricultural knowledge to all.

14. Researcher
Attitudes and Behaviour
Towards the ‘Openness’
of Research Outputs
in Agriculture
and Related Fields
3rd IAALD Africa Chapter Conference
Authors: Philip Edge, Franz Martin, Stephen Rudgard, Nadia Manning-Tomas
www.ciard.net
Presentation under Creative Commons License information@ciard.net
Attribution: Non-commercial, Non-Derivates 2.0. Italy