Project – Adoption of Digital Agricultural Extension Services among Cassava Farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Agriculture remains a dominant sector in Nigeria’s economy, providing employment and livelihood for a large proportion of the rural population. Among staple crops, cassava (Manihot esculenta) occupies a strategic position due to its adaptability to diverse agro-ecological conditions and its role in food security, agro-processing, and industrial applications. Nigeria is recognized as the world’s largest producer of cassava, contributing significantly to global output. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, cassava production plays a central role in ensuring food availability and income generation for smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite Nigeria’s leading position in cassava production, productivity per hectare remains below potential levels due to challenges such as pests and diseases, limited access to improved varieties, poor agronomic practices, inadequate extension services, and climate variability. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has consistently emphasized the importance of improved agronomic practices, disease-resistant varieties, and effective knowledge dissemination systems to enhance cassava yield and farmer income.

Agricultural extension services are critical in bridging the knowledge gap between research institutions and farmers. Traditionally, extension delivery in Nigeria has relied on face-to-face interactions, farm visits, group meetings, and demonstration plots. However, these conventional approaches often face constraints such as inadequate funding, insufficient extension personnel, transportation challenges, and limited coverage, especially in rural areas.

With advancements in information and communication technologies (ICT), digital agricultural extension services have emerged as innovative platforms for delivering timely, accurate, and cost-effective information to farmers. Digital extension services include mobile phone-based advisory services, short message services (SMS), interactive voice response (IVR), mobile applications, online platforms, radio programs integrated with digital feedback systems, and social media-based farmer groups. According to the World Bank, digital agriculture has the potential to increase productivity, improve market access, and enhance resilience among smallholder farmers.

In Nigeria, the expansion of mobile phone penetration and internet connectivity has created new opportunities for digital extension delivery. Platforms supported by public and private institutions aim to provide farmers with information on improved seed varieties, fertilizer application, pest and disease management, weather forecasts, and market prices. These services are designed to overcome the limitations of traditional extension systems by offering real-time information directly to farmers.

Ebonyi State, particularly Abakaliki, is widely known for cassava production due to favorable soil and climatic conditions. Cassava farming serves as a primary source of livelihood for many households in the area. However, farmers in Abakaliki continue to face challenges related to low productivity, limited access to extension agents, post-harvest losses, and fluctuating market prices. Digital agricultural extension services present an opportunity to address these challenges by enhancing farmers’ access to relevant and timely agricultural information.

Although digital extension services offer promising benefits, adoption among cassava farmers in Abakaliki appears uneven. Factors such as digital literacy, affordability of smartphones, network coverage, trust in digital information sources, age, and educational level may influence farmers’ willingness and ability to adopt these services. Additionally, socio-cultural and infrastructural barriers may limit effective utilization.

There is a need to assess the extent to which cassava farmers in Abakaliki are adopting digital agricultural extension services and to evaluate the factors influencing their adoption decisions. Understanding adoption patterns will provide insights into how digital technologies can strengthen agricultural knowledge systems and improve cassava production outcomes in the study area.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Cassava farming in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, remains a critical economic activity for rural households. However, productivity challenges persist due to limited access to timely and accurate agricultural information. Traditional extension systems often struggle to adequately serve the growing population of farmers due to inadequate staffing, funding constraints, and logistical challenges.

Digital agricultural extension services have been introduced as alternative platforms to enhance information dissemination and improve farm productivity. Despite increasing mobile phone penetration and internet access in Nigeria, the extent of adoption of these digital services among cassava farmers in Abakaliki remains uncertain. Many farmers may lack the technical skills or financial capacity required to effectively utilize digital platforms.

Furthermore, there is limited empirical evidence examining the determinants and level of adoption of digital agricultural extension services among cassava farmers in Abakaliki. Without systematic evaluation, policymakers and agricultural development agencies may not fully understand the barriers preventing effective utilization of digital extension tools.

The absence of localized data on digital extension adoption creates a knowledge gap that hinders evidence-based policy formulation and targeted intervention programs. If adoption levels remain low, farmers may continue to experience limited access to improved agronomic practices, pest and disease management strategies, and market information, ultimately affecting cassava productivity and income.

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the adoption of digital agricultural extension services among cassava farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in order to provide empirical evidence that can guide policy and program development.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the adoption of digital agricultural extension services among cassava farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the types of digital agricultural extension services available to cassava farmers in Abakaliki.

2. Determine the level of adoption of digital extension services among cassava farmers.

3. Examine factors influencing the adoption of digital agricultural extension services.

4. Assess the perceived benefits and challenges associated with the use of digital extension services.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What types of digital agricultural extension services are accessible to cassava farmers in Abakaliki?

2. What is the level of adoption of digital extension services among cassava farmers?

3. What factors influence farmers’ adoption of digital agricultural extension services?

4. What benefits and challenges are associated with the use of digital extension services?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study will test the following hypothesis:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers and the adoption of digital agricultural extension services in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers and the adoption of digital agricultural extension services in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will benefit cassava farmers by identifying effective digital extension platforms that can improve productivity and income. It will assist agricultural extension agencies and policymakers in designing targeted digital strategies to enhance service delivery.

The study will also contribute to knowledge on digital agriculture adoption in Nigeria, particularly within the context of smallholder cassava production systems. Development partners promoting ICT-based agricultural solutions will find the results useful for intervention planning.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on cassava farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. It examines the adoption of digital agricultural extension services such as mobile-based advisory services, SMS platforms, mobile applications, and online agricultural information systems. The study is limited to smallholder cassava farmers within the study area.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Digital Agricultural Extension Services: ICT-based platforms used to deliver agricultural information and advisory services to farmers.

Adoption: The decision and consistent use of digital extension services by farmers.

Cassava Farmers: Individuals engaged in the cultivation of cassava for subsistence or commercial purposes.

Socio-economic Characteristics: Attributes such as age, education, farm size, income level, and farming experience that may influence adoption behavior.

Project – Adoption of Digital Agricultural Extension Services among Cassava Farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State