Castillo, M. D. (2013). Knowledge integration among training alumni: The case of the Agricultural Training Institute - International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH). Unpublished Graduate Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.

This study focuses on how the knowledge gained from agriculture extension efforts, particularly the ATI-ITCPH training on pig production, were integrated in the field-setting. Using a cross-sectional, field research design, knowledge integration was investigated through the training alumni’s knowledge change, plan implementation and knowledge sharing activities. The complementation of quantitative and qualitative approaches surfaced positive changes in knowledge for the 13 basic pig raising aspects post-training with found instances of knowledge gained, replaced and reinforced.

Knowledge gain significantly differed for four participant characteristics. First, for course type, Intensive and Basic course alumni learned more about culling and breeding than the Trainors alumni. Second, those with advanced training gained more knowledge on feeding than those with minimal training exposure. Third, the type of enterprise mattered for the aspect of feeding with commercial farmers appreciating this aspect more than their backyard counterparts. Lastly, participants from the private sector and livestock entrepreneurs gained more knowledge on herd selection than the alumni from the academe and local government.

For plan implementation, the level of satisfaction derived from its outcomes differed between enterprise types. Commercial farmers felt more satisfied of their plans’ results than backyard farmers. Generally, for every five alumni who drew a plan, one felt highly satisfied of its results. The support of top-management and staff, the inclusion of their plans in their institutions’ priorities and the knowledge and skills gained from training facilitated implementation but was tempered by financial constraints, bureaucracy and changes in work assignment.

The alumni shared the knowledge gained from training often, with pig raisers, family and farm staff as beneficiaries. Majority perceived the knowledge shared, whether delivered in an interpersonal or mediated manner, as useful to their beneficiaries. Knowledge sharing activities were mostly facilitated by the nature of work, personal and ATI-ITCPH-related qualities. Conversely, it was limited by recipient-oriented factors, lack of time and other priorities. Hesitance also stemmed from the felt lack of knowledge or experience, particularly for technical aspects.

Other manifestations of integrated knowledge, such as the positive changes in confidence, openness to learning, pride and participation in the industry, were also found. The evaluation study concluded that the ATI-ITCPH alumni fared well in knowledge integration.

Aside from legitimizing knowledge management as a strategic communication tool, the study also yielded actionable insights on the dynamic nature of learning, the needed shift from participation to innovation and the role of communication in agriculture development.