Frugal Knowledge Sharing for Frugal Innovation Diffusion in Africa: The Church Woman and Related Models

Abstract

This study explores the mechanisms of frugal knowledge sharing for frugal innovation diffusion drawing upon concepts from social capital and diffusion of innovation theories. Three frugal innovations projects from Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia are used to undertake a preliminary appraisal of a proposed theoretical model. The study identifies a frugal knowledge-sharing mechanism based on “the church lady model.” From a practice perspective, the study informs how to leverage social capital to facilitate frugal knowledge sharing. Insights drawn from this study cover the surrounding network structure, mode of communication, frugal knowledge-sharing modalities, and the opportunity for combination and exchange to spark varied frugal IS innovation projects. From a research point of view, it serves as a basis for frugal knowledge management for frugal innovation diffusion in an African context.