A Knowledge-Sharing Practices Perspective for Poverty Eradication Among Rural Women

Abstract

Knowledge-sharing practices is crucial for communities striving to combat poverty. The paper explores knowledge-sharing practices for poverty eradication among rural women in Ghana and makes recommendations to improve knowledge sharing. It adopted the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative research approach. The primary data were obtained from 111 rural women in the Northern region, Ghana. Face-to-face interviews, focus-group discussions and observations were used to collect data. The study was guided by the following question: “What are the knowledge-sharing practices for poverty eradication among rural women in the northern region of Ghana?” Thematic analysis was conducted based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. The findings revealed that rural women engage in a variety of knowledge-sharing practices such as social interactions with extension officers, interactions between family and friends, interactions with social cliques and self-proclaimed experts, village meetings, religious leaders and institutions meetings, Communities of Practice and knowledge sharing programmes. The study recommends the need for rural women to seek professional knowledge from established knowledge centers. A dedicated mobile phone helpline project is also recommended, as well as the training and motivation of extension officers to improve the quality of extension services provided to rural women. Additionally, elements such as literacy programs, appropriate leadership, stakeholder participation, trust and respect for culture, ICT technology, gender-equity campaigns, behavioral change, social amenities and resource availability and ongoing knowledge-sharing programmes were also considered crucial for enhancing knowledge sharing practices. The study contributes to knowledge management by demonstrating how tacit knowledge flows are sustained through informal networks, trust, and reciprocity in rural contexts. By foregrounding these socially embedded and community-driven practices, it broadens knowledge management theory beyond corporate settings and highlights their relevance for poverty eradication and women’s empowerment. The study is timely as it seeks to leverage knowledge management practices to eradicate poverty, empower women, and address gender inequality in line with Goals 1 and 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.