Building small-scale farmers learning networks: Pachamama Raymi as an innovative knowledge management system

Abstract

This article presents the origins of the RAYMI capacity building system and shares some of its experiences in Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Chile. It illustrates results and outcomes of applying the approach in rural developments projects, as seen by several independent evaluations. Further, the article presents the approach?s main success factors, including some of the theoretical assumptions, methods and tools which include: constructivist learning theory; knowledge management; agricultural innovation; agricultural systems and simulation models in animal and crop production systems research; ecological community succession; colonial syndrome and transcultural participation. It illustrates how these were brought together in the Pachamama Raymi knowledge management system.