Global Research on Digital Platforms in Rural Knowledge Transfer During 2003- 2025: A Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62122Keywords:
Agricultural extension, Bibliometric analysis, Digital platforms, Knowledge management, Knowledge transferAbstract
The study mapped global research on digital platforms in rural knowledge transfer using Scopus-indexed publications published between 2003 and 2025. A total of 251 peer-reviewed documents were analysed using descriptive indicators, citation patterns, and network visualisations. The analysis indicated a consistent increase in research output after 2015, with notable peaks in 2021 and 2023, reflecting the growing adoption of ICTs, mobile applications, and e-learning in agricultural extension. Highly cited publications demonstrated strong scholarly influence in digital learning and technology-enabled advisory frameworks. Country-level analysis identified the United States, China, and the United Kingdom as leading contributors, supported by key institutions such as Wageningen University and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Keyword co-occurrence mapping revealed dominant themes related to digital agriculture, mobile-based extension, AI-enabled learning, and knowledge management, alongside emerging areas such as digital literacy and participatory knowledge systems. Despite India’s extensive digital agriculture initiatives, the limited presence of high-impact Indian studies highlights a critical research gap. The findings underscore the need for context-specific and inclusive digital extension research in India, while outlining future prospects focused on impact evaluation, digital literacy, and participatory platform design.
Downloads
References
Aker, J. C. (2011). Dial “A” for agriculture: A review of information and communication technologies for agricultural extension in developing countries. Agricultural Economics, 42(6), 631–647. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-0862.2011.00545.x
Anteneh, A., & Melak, A. (2024). ICT-based agricultural extension and advisory service in Ethiopia: A review. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2391121
Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). Bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007
Ayim, C., Kassahun, A., Tekinerdogan, B., & Addison, C. (2022). Adoption of ICT innovations in the agriculture sector in Africa: A systematic review of the literature. Agriculture & Food Security, 11, 22.
Khatri, A., Lallawmkimi, M. C., Rana, P., Panigrahi, C. K., Minj, A., Koushal, S., & Ali, M. U. (2024). Integration of ICT in agricultural extension services: A review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 46(12), 394–410. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2024/v46i123146
Khwidzhilli, R. H., Ijatuyi, E. J., & Diko, P. (2025). The role of information and communication technologies in enhancing farmers’ access to extension services: Evidence from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1704550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1704550
Krishna, A., & Naik, G. (2020). Addressing crisis in Indian agriculture through agricultural information delivery. IIMB Management Review, 32(2), 217–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iimb.2020.09.004
Mukherjee, S., Padaria, R. N., Burman, R. R., Velayudhan, P. K., Mahra, G. S., Aditya, K., Sahu, S., Saini, S., Mallick, S., Quader, S. W., Shravani, K., Ghosh, B., & Bhat, A. G. (2025). Global trends in ICT-based extension and advisory services in agriculture: A bibliometric analysis. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1430336. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1430336
Nain, M. S., Singh, R., Mishra, J. R., & Sharma, J. P. (2015). Utilization and linkage with agricultural information sources: A study of Palwal District of Haryana State. Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development, 10(2), 152–156.
Pippi, L., Alibani, M., Antichi, D., Caruso, G., Finocchi, M., Fontanelli, M., Moretti, M., Peruzzi, A., Ripamonti, A., & Tramacere, L. G. (2025). Use of digital technologies in agroforestry systems: A review. Agronomy, 15(12), 2671. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122671
Priya, N. K., Patil, S. S., Vishwakarma, S. K., Saikanth, D. R. K., Mishra, I., Tripathi, S., Pathak, A. K., & Shastri, S. (2025). Digital innovations in extension education: A review of emerging technologies and their impact on agricultural knowledge dissemination. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 47(5), 408–423. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2025/v47i53430
Reed, M. S., Vella, S., Challies, E., De Vente, J., Fewer, L., Hohe Wallner Ries, D., & Van Delden, H. (2018). A theory of participation: What makes stakeholder and public engagement in environmental management work? Restoration Ecology, 26, S7–S17. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12541
Roy, P., Maji, S., Jirli, B., Singh, P., & Nain, M. S. (2024). Scopus indexed Indian Journal of Extension Education: Crafting improvement strategy through altmetric and bibliometric analysis. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 60(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2024.60201
Salemink, K., Strijker, D., & Bosworth, G. (2017). Rural development in the digital age: A systematic literature review on unequal ICT availability, adoption, and use in rural areas. Journal of Rural Studies, 54, 360–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2015.09.001
Sharma, S., Rana, P., Samriti, & Sharma, S. (2025). Digital agriculture in India: A review of ICT interventions for sustainable farming. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, 8(11), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2025.v8.i11a.2615
Singh, N. K., Sunitha, N. H., Tripathi, G., Saikanth, D. R. K., Sharma, A., Jose, A. E., & Mary, M. V. K. J. (2023). Impact of digital technologies in agricultural extension. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology, 41(9), 963–970. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2023/v41i92127
Suman, S., Prusty, A. K., Deb, A., Kumari, A., & Reddy, G. S. (2025). Global research trends in family farming: A bibliometric insight. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 61(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61105
Van Eck, N. J., & Waltman, L. (2014). CitNetExplorer: A new software tool for analyzing and visualizing citation networks. Journal of Informetrics, 8(4), 802–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2014.07.006
Vishwakarma, B., Kumari, P., & Vishwakarma, A. K. (2025). Bibliometric exploration of bullying, workplace bullying, and cyberbullying based on the scientific Scopus quantum. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 61(4), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61409
Wang, B., & Dong, H. (2023). Research on the farmers’ agricultural digital service use behavior under the rural revitalization strategy based on the extended technology acceptance model. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11, 1180072. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1180072
Yuan, Y., & Sun, Y. (2024). Practices, challenges, and future of digital transformation in smallholder agriculture: Insights from a literature review. Agriculture, 14(12), 2193. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122193
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

