ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the management of agricultural sustainability among Colombian technical assistants and agricultural extension workers (AEWs). For this purpose, a survey was applied to seven content managers and 73 AEWs as part of the Linkata strategy. Since 2012, Linkata uses ICT to manage knowledge in the territories of Colombia. Thus, it was possible to show that the leading digital device used by managers and AEWs was the cellphone. Besides, the media used by managers to disseminate content are WhatsApp™, e-mail, and the Linkata website. Meanwhile, AEWs access information mainly through the YouTube™ channel, e-mail, and the Linkata website. Also, at least 19 practices acquired by the AEWs via Linkata and appropriate for their fieldwork were identified. In conclusion, the experience in the use of ICTs for knowledge management and the promotion of sustainable, productive systems is positive. The AEWs have not only acquired knowledge but have also implemented it with farmers in the field. In this way, ICTs represent a new way for AEWs to update, train, acquire, adapt and apply knowledge in agricultural education and extension, with an environmental, social, and economic sustainability approach.
