The impact of knowledge utilization networks on transformational farming practices: evidence from the Central Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Knowledge utilization is essential for addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in agricultural production. Hence, the study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of knowledge use on farm transformation using mediation analysis. Data were collected from 422 farm households selected using a multi-stage sampling method in the central Oromia region of Ethiopia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a control function regression model (first-stage probit and second-stage negative binomial regression). The results of the descriptive analysis showed that 39.95%, 25.1%, 19.5%, 7.91%, 6.18%, and 1.35% of farmers utilized agricultural knowledge through extension services, a mix of social capital and extension, farmers’ cooperatives, social capital, a mix of cooperative and extension, and a mix of cooperative and social capital, respectively. The results of the first-stage probit regression indicated that distance from farmers’ training centers and cooperative offices negatively influenced farmers’ access to extension services and farmers’ cooperatives, while attending community-level meetings positively influenced farmers’ linkages to build social capital. Accordingly, the second stage of negative binomial regression indicated that knowledge utilization through extension services, farmers’ cooperatives, and social capital channels directly and positively influences the number of transformational practices. The log-linear model results revealed that the mediator variables, such as field day demonstration and training, were positively influenced by extension services and a mix of farmers’ cooperatives and extension services. Likewise, field day demonstration mediated extension services to influence the number of transformational farming practices indirectly with a positive sign. The findings conclude that knowledge used through extension services plays a crucial role, both directly and indirectly, in enhancing transformational farming practices. It also suggests investment in capacity building for extension workers, promoting farmers’ organizations, and enhancing field day demonstrations to accelerate transformational farming practices on a larger scale.