Application of digital technologies for agricultural knowledge sharing in research and development organizations and their impact on organizational knowledge management in northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as essential tools for achieving sustainable development by enhancing knowledge sharing and innovation within agricultural systems. Despite their potential, empirical evidence on the extent of digital technology adoption, its determinants, and its impact on organizational knowledge management remains limited, particularly within agricultural research and development institutions in developing countries. This study examines the adoption of digital technologies for agricultural knowledge sharing among research and development organizations in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 285 respondents representing universities, research institutes, regional agricultural bureaus, and Farmer Training Centers. The analysis employed ordered probit and endogenous switching regression model to assess adoption patterns, key determinants, and the impact of digital technology use on organizational knowledge management, respectively. Digital technology adoption was measured based on the use of eight tools, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, video platforms, short message service, Facebook, radio/television, blockchain, and interactive voice response, for agricultural knowledge dissemination. The results indicate that 84.6% of respondents are low adopters of digital technologies, while only 5.9% are high adopters. Significant differences in adoption levels were observed across organizational type, sex, education level, networking capacity, awareness, access to electricity, training opportunities, budget availability, and government support. The ordered probit model results reveal that networking, training, access to electricity, and budget allocation are key drivers of digital technology adoption. Furthermore, findings from the endogenous switching regression model show that adoption of digital technologies significantly improves organizational knowledge management outcomes, including knowledge creation, sharing, and utilization. The study concludes that strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing staff capacity through training, and reinforcing institutional linkages are critical for accelerating digital transformation and improving knowledge management performance in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.