Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Benue State’s economy, where a large proportion of the population relies on farming for their livelihoods. However, the decline in traditional agricultural extension services, driven by a reduction in the number of extension officers, has created a gap in support for smallholder farmers.
This has prompted an exploration of digital agricultural solutions as a potential alternative to enhance productivity, market access, and income.
Despite the promise of these tools, their adoption among smallholder farmers in Benue State remains low.
Research (Implementation & Operational):
Sydani Group conducted a comprehensive study to assess the penetration and effectiveness of digital agricultural solutions among smallholder farmers in six local government areas of Benue State. The research involved six key informant interviews at the state level and 18 focus group discussions (three in each local government) with farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The study focused on identifying enablers and barriers to the use of digital tools like the Agricultural Marketing Information System (AMIS) and social media platforms (e.g., WhatsApp and Facebook) for marketing agricultural produce.
Result:
The assessment revealed significant barriers to the adoption of digital solutions, including limited access to smartphones, poor network coverage in rural areas, and low levels of digital literacy among farmers. While platforms like AMIS offer valuable services, these challenges have hindered their widespread use. Some farmers have turned to social media platforms for marketing, providing limited relief in accessing broader markets. Based on these findings, a strategy has been developed to enhance rural network infrastructure, improve digital literacy programs, and promote the use of alternative digital platforms.
These interventions aim to boost adoption rates, improve market access, and ultimately enhance farmer productivity and incomes in Benue State.
