Data Management Plan for "Enhancing cooperative extension services provision for Sustainable Development goals (SDGs):

Overview.This project investigates the persistent knowledge action gap (KAG) among smallholder macadamia farmers in Ntchisi, Lilongwe, and Mzimba districts in Malawi. While technical knowledge is often transferred via extension services and the cooperatives, there is a significant lag in the practical application of these agronomic practices (e.g., pruning, pest management, and soil health)Research Aims and Data CollectionThe project employs a mixed-methods approach to generate primary data to evaluate the actionability of agricultural advice. The data collection is structured around two frameworks.The knowledge -Action-Gap (KAG) Theory, to measure the distance between technical training and field implementation.The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), to analyse how households' assets (Human, financial, social, physical, and natural capital) are either enablers or barriers to action.Data Type and Volume.The study will produce the following datasets.Quantitative data, where structured survey responses from 250 smallholder households, capturing demographic information, asset portfolios and actionability scores.Qualitative data where transcripts and audio recordings from Key Informant Interviews (KII) with policy actors and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with lead farmers and cooperative members.Observation data from field notes and orchard-level assessments regarding the physical implementation of technical advice. Significance.By identifying the structural and psychological bottlenecks to knowledge adoption, this data will provide a scientific basis for redesigning extension systems in Malawi. The findings aim to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction and sustainable agricultural production.