Access to agricultural knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa in the absence of a central supplier of knowledge: the case of the Gezira Scheme in Sudan

Abstract

Purpose: This study assesses farmers’ access to agricultural knowledge after a reduction in government support in the Gezira Irrigation Scheme, Sudan. Design/methodology/approach: An explanatory cross-sectional study was designed to conceptualise farmers’ access to agricultural knowledge in terms of availability, reachability, findability, comprehensibility and usability. Data were collected from 381 randomly selected farmers using a questionnaire. The study was conducted in seven purposively selected sites of the Gezira Irrigation Scheme in Sudan. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods. Findings: Farmers in the Gezira irrigation Scheme accessed knowledge on land preparation, appropriate seeds and fertilisers, credit sources, crop pest and disease management, irrigation, and weeding, mostly from fellow farmers, neighbours and relatives. The majority of farmers perceived agricultural knowledge to be adequate. The adequacy of knowledge was influenced by a variety of factors, including number of crops grown, number of knowledge sources, farmers’ education level and possession of off-farm income sources. Practical Implication: With increased interest in farmers’ access to agricultural knowledge, the findings indicate the diversity of types and sources of knowledge and the importance of strengthening farmer-to-farmer communication in the context of reduced government support. Theoretical Implication: The paper contributes to understanding how farmers continue to access agricultural knowledge in the context of reduced government support to agricultural extension services. Originality/value: This study highlights how farmers access and perceive agricultural knowledge after reduced government support to agricultural extension services in the Gezira Irrigation Scheme. The results indicate that paying attention to the informal sources of agricultural knowledge can enhance the quality and quantity of knowledge accessed by farmers. Keywords: Agricultural Knowledge; Knowledge Access; Farmers’ Perceptions; Knowledge Adequacy; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sudan. Citation: Musa, N. S. A., Kyazze, F. B., Sseguya, H., Kampen, J. K. and Elwasila, E. M. M. (2026): Access to agricultural knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa in the absence of a central supplier of knowledge: the case of the Gezira Scheme in Sudan. International Journal of Innovation and Knowledge Management in Middle East and North Africa (IJIKMMENA), Vol. 11, Nos. 1/2, pp. 1-17.