Agricultural knowledge management through womens collective action: A case of women dairy co-operatives in Rajasthan, India

The present study was undertaken to analyze the capacity building needs of members of Women Dairy Cooperative Societies (WDCS), to harness the potential of women’s collective action in knowledge management for improving their livelihoods. A survey of fifteen randomly selected WDCS operational in Jodhpur district was undertaken to analyze the facilities, inputs and services of veterinary doctor and other dairy officials being availed by members of women dairy cooperative societies. It was observed that the training component was almost non-existent. The capacity building needs perceived in dairy related aspects were for breeding activities, the members did not perceive a need as the WDCS was providing the breeding services for dairy animals. However, the non-members felt a need for this activity. Both members and non-members felt the need for capacity building in feeding and health management of dairy animals. The need for technical guidance in entrepreneurship development was perceived by both members and non - members, the probable reason being their desire to provide additional income to the family. It is imperative to assess the needs and priorities of women to bring the communities of extension experts and farmers together in all the knowledge management phases - from knowledge creation to utilization.   Key words: Knowledge management, women’s collective action, dairy co-operatives.