Analysis of the Adoption of Digital Technologies for Extension Service Delivery in Kano State

This study investigates the adoption and effectiveness of digital technologies in agricultural extension service delivery, focusing on three applications: FarmEX, Plant Village, and Rice Advice. Using a sample of 78 extension agents, the study assessed factors influencing adoption, including socio-economic characteristics, training received, ease of use, frequency of use, and the perceived usefulness of the applications. Results indicated that 93.92% of respondents used digital tools, with Rice Advice being the most widely adopted (40.28%), followed by FarmEX (31.38%) and PlantVillage (28.34%). The study also revealed that training and access to the internet were significant factors influencing adoption, while the ease of use of these applications varied, with FarmEX being the most challenging to use. ANOVA and Tukey's Post-Hoc tests further showed significant differences in the effectiveness of these applications, with Rice Advice being perceived as the most effective in improving extension service delivery. The study also examined the socio-economic characteristics influencing adoption using binary logistic regression, revealing that smartphone ownership, access to the internet, and receipt of training had a notable impact on the adoption status of digital tools. While digital tools are widely adopted, challenges such as access to reliable internet and the need for enhanced training programs were identified. The study recommends improving digital literacy, expanding internet access in rural areas, and providing support for smartphone ownership among extension agents. Additionally, strengthening collaboration between stakeholders and scaling effective applications will enhance agricultural extension services and improve farmers' productivity.