Adoption of E-Extension Strategies among Arable Crop Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates adoption electronic extension (e-extension) strategies among arable
crop farmers in Osun State, Nigeria, with a particular focus on the role of digital literacy A
multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 420 arable crop farmers across six
local government areas. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and
analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis to
examined the relationship between digital literacy and the adoption of e-extension
technologies. Findings revealed that although a high proportion of farmers (78%) were
aware of e-extension tools, but only 46% actively used these tools. Low level of Digital
literacy with only 35% of respondents able to effectively navigate digital platforms.
Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between digital literacy and
e-extension tool usage (p < 0.01). Based on these findings, the study concludes that while
awareness of e-extension strategies is relatively high among arable farmers in Osun State,
low digital literacy impedes effective utilization, thus, digital literacy is a crucial factor for
successful adoption of e-extension strategies. policy interventions aimed at improving rural
digital infrastructure, subsidizing access to smart devices, and conducting widespread digital
literacy training for farmers.