Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp)

in Venezuela
Alfredo Romero S., Ma. Elena Morros y Delis Prez Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrcolas, Venezuela
Paper presented in the 11th International Conference on Agricultural Biotechnologies
International Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology Research (ICABR) Catholic University of Leuven, CEIS - University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rutgers University, Economic Growth Center, Yale University.

Ravello, Scala ( Italy ) July 26 29, 2007

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

In January 2005 the execution of the project: Application of biotechnological tools for the genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) for higher production and grain quality, was initiated in the framework of the BID/FONACIT II Biotechnology program in Venezuela. The objectives were to promote knowledge sharing among farmers and researchers, to develop technologies required by small farmers sector, and strengthening of innovative methodologies for transferring of biotechnological inputs.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

A series of strategies and activities were planned and executed, using: 1. Knowledge Management 2.and participant innovation actionresearch,

3.Components: 1.networking, 2.R&D, 3.technology transfer and 4.strengthening of scientific and technological capacities (institutional aimed at creating an effective information and knowledge and human) flow between farmers, technicians and researchers.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Objectives
To validate and strengthen instruments, resources and capacities in the establishment of communication flows among researchers of different institutions and other relevant actors (farmers, technicians, development officials and members of local communities) in order to stimulate their active participation in the development of technologies. Inducing and creating awareness and consciousness among different actors about the importance of information and knowledge sharing for transfer and diffusion of improved biotechnologies, and the creation of sustained communication networks in time and space.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Knowledge management and technology transfer strategies aimed to integrate and synergize several professional disciplines with the purpose of improving the efficiency and competency of technological development services offered by institutions, enterprises and ONGs to their stakeholders

Sharing and exchanging of ideas, perceptions, problems and possible solutions among participant actors (researchers, technicians, change agents and final users) in the planning and execution of concerted development actions and processes.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Participatory research and development has emerged as an institutional innovation during the last 20 years in many national agricultural research systems in Latin America, Asia and Africa Public institutional R&D projects using participatory methods now provide technical solutions amenable to be adapted and adopted by local groups, help in the improvement of production, reducing risks and costs and increasing profits, since they become aware and value first hand innovations and their advantages In Venezuela there have been encouraging experiences in the implementation of this approach in specific rural settings such as the highlands of Lara State in the centralwestern region

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Methodology
According to the terms of reference outlined by the BID/FONACIT II Agricultural Biotechnology project, there were planned and executed specific and complementary activities for four components:

Networking enhancement Biotechnology research and development Human capital consolidation Technology transfer

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Strategies
Induction of compromise and commitment of the interinstitutional research team in structuring, designing and sharing of information, knowledge and purposes. Promotion and use of participatory innovation instruments in the development of specific research and technology transfer activities

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Establishment of a climate for the free flow and access to information and knowledge processed and generated in the research process.

Diffusion of principles and practices of shared management tools to attain identical behaviour and performance among research participants in their linking efforts with target audiences.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Creation of the National Legume Grain communication network, and construction of a web site

Human capital consolidation through specialized training courses and in service technological capacities

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Technology transfer activities included planning and monitoring workshops, training courses, technical meetings and workshops on specific topics, with participation of researchers, technicians and farmers involved with the project. Also production and editing publications, videos and micros for radio and TV broadcasting.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS --- Networks enhancement

Establishment of an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional networked research team. 20 professionals of five different institutions (INIA, UCV, UNESR, USB and DANAC), including specialists in plant breeding, plant pathology, agricultural biotechnology, bioinformatics, food and science technology and technology transfer. Five planning, M&E workshops (with duration of two days), allowing knowledge sharing and revision of advancement in research objectives. A permanent information flow and exchange through email was maintained, facilitating the follow up

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

After several informal meetings with other researchers, technicians and farmers in different areas and localities in the country, in 2006 it was created the Edible Grain Legumes National Network, with an initial membership of 75 actors, including 26 researchers, 25 technicians, 10 extension officers and 14 farmers leaders of cooperatives or farmers associations. 5 regional chapters of the network have been organized so far, in order to facilitate interaction diffusion of relevant information, and new members are requesting participation through these chapters.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

A web site for the Network is already in the internet (www.caraota.redbio.org.ve), with information relevant for its members, with basic information of the project, news, events, technical/scientific documents and links all related to edible bean production, consumption, genetic improvement and application of biotechnological tools.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

A illustrated catalogue of 300 local indigenous varieties and materials preserved in the legumes seed bank was designed and constructed, in electronic format, will be accessible through the website. A data base for registering and consultation of information on local varieties seeds managed by farmers was developed and will be soon available through the website.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS --- Human capital consolidation Eight members of the research team have received specialized training in different topics (seed conservation, in vitro culture, biometrics and bioinformatics, knowledge management and ICT, molecular markers, biotechnological tools for genetic improvement) in recognized international institutes (CIAT-Colombia, INRAFrance, CSIC/INIA-Spain, CATIE-Costa Rica).

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Short courses and workshops Seven researchers participated in international courses or workshops related to water stress, nutritional improvement, genomics and proteomics, knowledge management and information systems). Theses. Three students from Venezuelan universities developed their research theses in the context of the research and development component objectives of the project.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer International events

Several events bringing together researchers, technicians and farmers took place, in order and share information about grain legume improvement and production and to promote the use of biotechnology:
Andean Meeting of Rural Biotechnological Enterprises for Endogenous Development. In a 3 day meeting organized in august 2005, jointly with IICA/PROCIANDINO and FONTAGRO, approximately 200 participants from the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Per and Venezuela).

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

Bean biotechhnology Symposium In the framework of the 2005 Agricultural And Food Biotechnology Venezuelan Network Meeting, held in Maracay, Venezuela, in December 2005, the project sponsored the Bean Biotechnology International Symposium, with participation fo several specialists from international research institutions

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

National events
Farmers seed day. In October 29, 2005, took place the first Farmers seed day in Sanare, Lara State, where small farmers from the area exhibited their local seed varieties and materials, The event was repeated in October 2006 in Sanare, and several Farmers Seed days have been organized in other local communities in Tchira and Trujillo states. In the framework of the 2005 Fair of Family consumption, which took place in October 2005, it was organized the Edible Bean Gastronomic Festival, where more than 500 consumers participated in a tasting table for the promotion of alternative ways of beans consumption, and in a survey of bean consumer preferences.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

Other events included worshops on: Participatory bean improvement, Farmers seed preservation, Biofertilizers production and Fermented flour bean use, Biotechnology and rural innovation
with participation of members of the research team as facilitators, 20 technicians and 65 farmers, aimed to the diffusion and application of such innovative techniques among farmers groups involves in the project.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

Papers presented in scientific and technical events
19 presentations with partial results and advancements of the project were presented in different national and international events.

Research papers
4 Research articles have been published so far, and 4 more are under preparation for delivery by the end of 2007.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

Publications

INIA/FONACIT 2005. Que es eso que llaman Biotecnologa?. (Comp. y edicin: Ma. Elena Morros y Alfredo Romero S.). Barquisimeto. INIA/FONACIT. 20p. (Serie D N4). Tiraje: 7000 ejemplares. I NIA/FONACIT. 2005. Tesoros de la cocina a base de caraotas y otros granos. (comp. y edicin: Ma. Elena Morros y Francisco Ramos). Barquisimeto, INIA/FONACIT. 72p. (Serie Pub. Especial N 6). Tiraje:
4000 ejemplares.

ROMERO S., A.; PREZ, D.; GMEZ, J. (Editores). 2006. Memorias del Encuentro Andino de Empresas Rurales de Base Biotecnolgica en el marco del Desarrollo Endgeno. Maracay, INIA/FONACIT/ PROCIANDINO/FONTAGRO. 122p. Tiraje 500 ejempl

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

RESULTS Technology Transfer

Audiovisual editing and production
Video: 4 micros in video format have been produced: Biotechnology, participation and endogenous development, 12 min. January 6006 Sharing knowledge and experiences in agricultural biotechnology, Testimonials, 12 min. May 2006 The Andean meeting of agricultural biotechnology enterprises. 22 min.. November 2006 Biotechnological applications in Bean improvement and production. May 2007. 15 min. Radio: Three 2 micro programs for radio broadcasting were produced: Biotechnology and Bean production, Participant Innovation in biotechnology and Biodiversity and Agriculture. November 2005, broadcasted during 2006 through the national network of community radio stations.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Conclusions
The planning and execution of networks enhancement, human capital consolidation and technology transfer, have allowed the establishment of permanent information and communication flows throughout the last two years, facilitating the diffusion and knowledge and technologies among relevant audiences (researchers, technicians, farmers, policy makers) and their active participation in the innovation process for biotechnological applications in the genetic improvement and production of common beans

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Conclusions
Preliminary results indicate an increase in knowledge sharing activities, high participation of farmers and technicians in scientific/ technological research and development, wide diffusion of information through participation in scientific events, internet (web site), printed materials, and training courses and the establishment of a communication network of around 350 members.

Knowledge management and transfer of technology in the application of biotechnology tools for genetic improvement of beans (Phaseoulus sp) in Venezuela

Conclusions
Knowledge levels, awareness and interest for biotechnological applications and products have increased in the group of almost 350 actors involved in the different activities undertaken by the project. Institutional innovation has been ameliorated and incorporated in the organizations involved, specifically the enabling of concrete instruments and mechanisms for farmers participation and communication networks, widening the range of the research and development process, in order to promote the use of biotechnological inputs adapted to the local contexts of rural communities.