An association between information and communication technology and agriculture knowledge management process in Indian milk co-operatives and non-profit organizations: an empirical analysis

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The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and knowledge management processes (KM process) in Indian milk co-operatives and non-government organizations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods have been adopted in this study. Data were collected using questionnaires from 275 members working in both milk co-operatives and non-profit organizations (NGOs). The analysis and hypotheses testing were implemented using structural equation modeling technique (SEM). The results showed that ICT has significant (at p = 0.001) and positive effect on KM processes. The results obtained would help managers to better understand the linkage between ICT and KM processes. They could use the results to improve their ICT (tools and infrastructure) for improving the efficiency of KM process in their organizations. The proposed set of metrics could be used as common tools to measure the performance of ICT in KM process in agriculture organizations and for future research.

💡 Research Summary

This paper investigates the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on knowledge‑management (KM) processes within Indian dairy cooperatives and non‑governmental organizations (NGOs). Recognizing that effective knowledge creation, storage, sharing, and utilization are critical for agricultural productivity and sustainability, the authors set out to empirically test whether ICT infrastructure and tools enhance these KM activities.

A mixed‑methods design was employed. First, a structured questionnaire was administered to 275 frontline employees and managers drawn from dairy cooperatives (150 respondents) and NGOs (125 respondents) across India. The instrument measured three dimensions of ICT (hardware, software, network connectivity) and four KM stages (knowledge acquisition, storage, sharing, and application), using a five‑point Likert scale. A pilot test confirmed reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.80) and content validity.

Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS and AMOS. Exploratory factor analysis identified the latent constructs, and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated strong model fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.04). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to test four hypotheses, each positing a positive relationship between ICT and one KM stage. All path coefficients were statistically significant at p < 0.001, ranging from 0.42 (ICT → knowledge acquisition) to 0.58 (ICT → knowledge sharing). The strongest effect was observed for knowledge sharing, suggesting that digital platforms and mobile applications facilitate real‑time information exchange among field workers.

Qualitative insights, gathered through a limited number of semi‑structured interviews, corroborated the quantitative findings. Respondents highlighted that reliable internet connectivity and user‑friendly software reduced the time required to capture field observations, archive best‑practice documents, and disseminate market or technical updates. However, differences emerged between cooperatives and NGOs: cooperatives tended to have higher ICT adoption rates, whereas NGOs displayed more efficient knowledge‑application practices, likely reflecting divergent organizational cultures and mission focus.

The authors discuss several practical implications. First, investment in ICT infrastructure should be treated as a strategic priority for agricultural organizations seeking to improve KM efficiency. Second, targeted training programs are essential to bridge the gap between technology availability and employee competence. Third, policymakers could support sector‑wide ICT upgrades through subsidies, capacity‑building initiatives, and the development of localized digital solutions.

Limitations are acknowledged. The sample is confined to India, limiting external validity; the cross‑sectional design precludes causal inference over time; and self‑reported data may be subject to social desirability bias. Future research directions include longitudinal studies, multi‑country comparisons, and the incorporation of objective usage metrics (e.g., system logs) to refine the ICT‑KM relationship model.

In conclusion, the study provides robust empirical evidence that ICT positively influences all stages of the knowledge‑management process in dairy cooperatives and NGOs. By demonstrating statistically significant effects and offering a set of performance metrics, the paper equips managers and policymakers with actionable insights to harness digital technologies for enhanced agricultural knowledge flow and, ultimately, improved sectoral outcomes.