An empirical knowledge production function of agricultural research and extension: The case of the University of California Cooperative Extension

Abstract

Our study examines empirically the impact of agricultural research inputs on the creation and dissemination of knowledge by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). We formulate a conceptual framework to understand the relationship between the agricultural research inputs employed by UCCE and the knowledge shared. We develop an index of knowledge based on a weighted average of the various modes through which knowledge is produced by UCCE's agricultural research for all counties in the state of California during 2007-2013. Empirical results indicate significant positive impacts of research inputs on the production of knowledge. We find research input, such as number of research positions measured as full-time equivalent (FTE), level of salary per researcher (including seniority and status), and investment in research infrastructure per FTE, positive and significant. Our models suggest diminishing marginal knowledge returns to research infrastructure, and a linear knowledge production function with respect to the number of FTE and the salary per FTE in the UCCE system.

Ideal Agricultural Agent as a Logical Solution and Investment

“…Knowledge is one of the competencies that must be possessed by agricultural instructors. As well as that the knowledge competence of agricultural extension agents has a very important role in the process of implementing motivation towards the future of farmers [14,15]. Knowledge competencies that must be embedded in the agriculture instructor must be based on the integration between theoretical studies and empirical studies related to agricultural values holistically [16].…”

The contribution of the University of California Cooperative Extension to California's agricultural production

“…The studies we reviewed in Section 2 assume that the R&D expenditures' impact on productivity is dynamic. This implies that at any given period in time, productivity is impacted by a cumulative stock of past and present expenditures, sometimes referred to as the 'knowledge stock' (Alston, Craig, and Pardey 1998;Chatterjee, Dinar, and González-Rivera 2018). The theory is derived from the idea that current research (extension)based knowledge is an accumulation of past and present knowledge; some of the old knowledge depreciates over time and becomes less effective, meaning that technologies and management practices become obsolete.…”

“…The development of KPF is not the focus of this paper. We provide general information about our estimates, but the reader is referred for more details to Chatterjee, Dinar, and González-Rivera (2018). 5. http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/extension.html#today 6. http://ucop.edu/communications/_files/mini-brochures/ANR_minibrochure.pdf 7.…”

“…We rely on the theory of knowledge production function and apply it (Chatterjee, Dinar, and González-Rivera 2018) to the agricultural extension system of California, a research-based and knowledge creating and disseminating system. The theory (Chatterjee, Dinar, and González-Rivera 2018 and the literature they cite; Griliches 1964;Dinar 1991;Alston et al 2011) views knowledge as an input to, say, agricultural food production.…”

Evaluating the effectiveness of university agricultural extension test stations using Wuli-Shili-Renli methodology

“…The land-grant model used in some American universities has been recognized as a successful system for bringing the academic research achievements to the public. Agricultural extension in universities is a public-based research and disseminate knowledge to farmers (CHATTERJEE et al, 2018). The test stations at these universities act as part of the agricultural extension programs and serve as important platforms in transforming innovative agricultural technologies into widespread applications.…”