Digital Extension Services and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria: A National Overview
Background
Annually, Nigerian agriculture sector and by extension, the economy, loses trillions of valuable naira to outdated and unmechanised agricultural practices, obsolete infrastructural facilities and a host of post-harvest challenges [3]. A report by ActionAid Nigeria in 2023 revealed that, farmers across the nation faced a whooping ₦3.5 trillion loss, yearly, due to lack of proper storage facilities for their farm produce, leading to income loss [2]. This could have been further exacerbated by the lack of access to crucial agricultural information by the farmers. Such information is used to educate farmers on best practices, selection of optimal seed varieties to match the soil conditions and employment of the most effective and appropriate pest control methods [5], through extension services.
Extension services have proved to be a powerful tool in dissemination of information and innovations required for agricultural development to farmers in a timely fashion. Agricultural extension service provides a channel through which farmers’ challenges can be directed and resolved. Additionally, it is used to teach improved farming practices, serves as intermediary between farmers and research institutes, supervision of agricultural development programmes, etc. [1]. The extension service in Nigeria has been in existence and operational since the time before independence, and primarily dispensed through the Training and Visit (T and V) strategy, throughout the country [4]. This traditional approach was very deficient and unproductive, as it overwhelmed extension agents and saddled them with all the brainy activities without reciprocation from the farmers [1]. There are other challenges responsible for the inefficiencies in the traditional extension service. These include: collapse of research and extension institutions due to inadequate funding, lack of welfare and compensation for extension workers, unavailability of training and fieldwork materials, ineffective institutions and insufficient coordination and leadership, among others [4].
Over the years, digital extension services have significantly impacted agriculture and farming, and also improved agricultural productivity by providing farmers with real-time information on weather, pest control, soil health, and crop management, digitally. This timely and precise information allows for better decision-making, leading to higher yields and more efficient resource use. It also facilitates access to expert advice, market prices, and financial services, enabling them to adopt best practices and innovative techniques that improve their farm operations and profitability. These services also bridge the gap between rural and urban markets, empowering farmers to reach broader markets and secure better prices for their products. Furthermore, it promotes exchange of experience, ideas and updates between farmers, without location being a barrier.
What are Digital Extension Services?
It is a scalable, cost-effective solution that provides farmers with insights and market connections they need, through real-time information.
Facts about Digital Extension Services
Digital extension services leverage technology and digital platforms to provide farmers with resources and assistance remotely, overcoming barriers to access faced by many farmers, especially in rural areas. By offering personalized guidance tailored to particular areas, crops, and the unique requirements of individual farmers, digital agricultural extension services empower farmers to make informed decisions, resulting in enhanced crop yields, minimized input expenditures, and more effective farm management. It possesses the potential to revolutionize farming practices and increase agricultural productivity if implemented and sustained, nationwide. It is a significant addition to the traditional extension services, which have been marred by inadequate funding, limited access to information, poor coordination among stakeholders, unfavourable staff-to-farmer extension ratio, large area of coverage, etc. Digital extension services are propagated through the use of mobile, smartphones, computers, and other web-based technologies. For example, SMS or text messages can be sent in bulk to farmers at once, and even reach those in remote locations, making it a good option for closing information gaps. Using tablets and smartphones, farmers are able to watch or take pictures of new agricultural techniques. They can also take photos of pests and request assistance for identification and suggestions from experts.
Barriers to Digital Extension Service in Nigeria
Lack of Effective Policy
The absence of clear-cut regulatory and policy frameworks leads to uncertainty and hesitation among stakeholders, stalling investment in the development of digital extension solutions/technologies, thereby hindering the widespread adoption of digital extension services. This ambiguity results in fragmented and inconsistent implementation practices, reducing the overall effectiveness and scalability of these services. Additionally, without clear guidelines, there is a higher risk of data privacy issues and exploitation, which can erode trust and deter users from engaging with digital extension platforms.
Inexperienced Extension Agents
Lack of experience in handling electronic tools limits the ability of extension agents to effectively utilize these technologies for disseminating information and training farmers. This reduces the overall efficiency and impact of extension programs, preventing farmers from accessing vital, timely, and accurate agricultural advice and innovations.
Poor Connectivity
Low bandwidth or poor connectivity restricts the use of digital tools in agricultural extension services by limiting access to online resources, real-time data, and communication platforms. This hampers the timely dissemination of crucial agricultural information and support to farmers.
Cost of Acquiring New Hardware
The cost of purchasing hardware, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, presents a significant financial barrier for both agricultural extension services and the farmers they serve. The limited budgets may not cover the expense of acquiring necessary technology, while for farmers, investing in such hardware may be financially burdensome, particularly among poor farmers. This barrier restricts access to digital tools that could otherwise improve communication, knowledge sharing, and access to vital agricultural information and resources, ultimately hindering the adoption and effectiveness of digital extension services.
Lack of Training
Without proper training, extension agents and farmers may lack the necessary skills to utilize digital tools efficiently, hindering their ability to access information, communicate effectively, and implement modern agricultural practices. This knowledge gap impedes the adoption and effectiveness of digital tools in extending agricultural services to rural communities.
Other barriers include: inequality in access to electronic tools by extension staff, cost of acquiring software /apps and actors of digital extension service requiring new skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Digital extension services have received little or no attention in the agricultural discourse in Nigeria when compared with other African countries, like Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania and the Ivory Coast that are already reaping the benefits of the digitization of extension services in the agricultural sector. The integration of technology in agriculture and the widespread adoption of digital extension services present a transformative opportunity for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By leveraging technological advancements such as drones for precision farming, IoT (Internet of Things) devices for real-time monitoring, and mobile applications for access to market information, farmers can enhance their productivity and efficiency. This not only leads to increased yields and improved crop quality but also fosters sustainable farming practices, contributing to long-term food security for the nation.
Furthermore, embracing digital extension services facilitates knowledge transfer and capacity building among farmers, empowering them with the latest agricultural practices and techniques. With access to relevant information and expert guidance at their fingertips, farmers can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize resource utilization. Ultimately, this digital revolution in agriculture not only improves the livelihoods of farmers by boosting their incomes but also strengthens Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global food market, driving economic growth and prosperity across the nation.
1. Abdulwahab, A. S., Adefalu, L. L., Obafemi, B. O., Ayanda, V. O., Kaothar, I.-A., & Raza, H. A. (2023). Traditional and Modern Approaches in Agricultural Extension Practice in Nigeria. Journal of Social, 553.
2. ActionAid. (2023, November 14). ActionAid. (ActionAid) Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://nigeria.actionaid.org/news/2023/actionaid-small-scale-women-farmers-organisation-nigeria-swofon-and-caadp-non-state#:~:text=Nigeria’s%20postharvest%20losses%2C%20which%20is,budget%20equals%20these%20massive%20losses
3. Ashaye, O. A. (2018). POST HARVEST HANDLING OF FOOD CROPS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE: AN OUTLOOK ON FOOD RESEARCH IN IAR&T. Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, 16.
4. Ezima, N., Anyaegbunam, H., Nwaekpe, J., & Ibrahim, C. J. (2023). EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN NIGERIA; CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS. NRCRI Publications (pp. 416-419). Umuahia: National Root Crops Research Institute.
5. Ukachi, N. B., & Ayiah, E. M. (2017). Exploration of appropriate media for satisfying the information needs of future community of African farmers. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-3.
