Multi-stakeholder partnership in developing learning resource materials on rice water-saving technologies for the Philippine Rice Knowledge Bank

The technology transfer for water-savings project was initiated in 2001 to develop and implement a framework for the the transfer, adaption, and adoption of knowledge on water-saving technologies through the inter-agency collaboration of National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippines Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). This is the study to described the role of communication variables, communication networks, organizational variables, and partnership variables on a multi-stakeholder partnership towards the development of learning resources materials on rice water-saving technologies for the Philippines RKB [Rice Knowledge Bank]. Using a case study design, data were gathered by interviewing 31 purposively sampled respondents from nine stakeholders coming from Manila, Laguna, Davao, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija from June to July 2009. Data were analyzed descriptively and a communication network analysis was also done using UCINET 6. In a multi-stakeholder partnership, organizational communication is an important component especially if stakeholders come from different specializations, culture, and social attributes. While organizational structures, mandates and programs helped the stakeholder organizations synergize with each other, communication processes, partnership processes, and communication network interactions enhanced their involvement in the content of development of water-savings technologies. The partnership of PhilRice and IRRI was critical in facilitating the technology generation, content development, and dissemination of accurate, credible (authoritative), and consistent information on water saving technologies. The involvement of national authorities like PhilRice, NIA, and BSWM facilitated the dissemination of technology on a national scale as their involvement in the content development process was creating a sense of ownership among the stakeholders. Partnering with local authorities also created a pathway for the technology to be mainstreamed into the national system.