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Structural Analysis of the Role of Knowledge Management in Improving the Efficiency of the Agricultural Extension System from the Perspective of Extension Staff in Mazandaran Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor of Education, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center- Agricultural research Education and Extension organization, Sari-Iran.

10.22092/jaear.2026.371926.2092

Abstract

The new agricultural extension system in Iran was designed to enhance the efficiency of knowledge transfer and to establish effective linkages among research, education, and farmers. However, existing evidence indicates that this system still faces structural and functional challenges in systematically utilizing knowledge management mechanisms to achieve these goals.This study aimed to structurally analyze the role of knowledge management in improving the efficiency of Iran’s new agricultural extension system. This research was applied in purpose and quantitative in nature, employing a causal–relational design based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included experts, extension agents, and managers involved in the agricultural extension system of Mazandaran Province, Iran. A sample of 305 participants was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 36 items. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. The bootstrap method was employed to examine both direct and indirect effects of the independent variable and the mediating variables. The findings indicated that knowledge management had a positive and significant direct effect on extension system efficiency. However, a larger portion of its effect was transmitted through research–extension interaction (β = 0.440) and knowledge management infrastructure and support (β = 0.553), highlighting the importance of strengthening knowledge-based interactions and organizational support structures.

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References
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Agricultural Education Administration Research
Volume 17, Issue 75 - Serial Number 75
April 2026
Pages 3-17
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