Agricultural Extension Advisory Services and Agricultural Sustainability in Nigeria: Investigating the Mediated Role of ICT Use in VCDP and ATASP-1

Abstract

This study examined how agricultural extension advisory services influence agricultural sustainability in Nigeria, and whether information and communication technology (ICT) use mediated this relationship among farmers participating in VCDP and ATASP-1 in Anambra State. Data was collected from a random sample of 281 farmers, and analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that extension services had a statistically significant effect on agricultural sustainability (β = −0.482; C.R. = −6.75***) with acceptable model fit (GFI = 0.879; RMR = 0.097). Farmers particularly valued practical recommendations (0.913), frequent contact (0.944), and timely responses (0.864), which translated into improvements in soil fertility (0.957), income stability (0.809), and long-term productivity (0.669). Extension services also significantly increased ICT use (β = 0.576; C.R. = 8.87***), suggesting that advisory support encourages digital engagement. ICT use was significantly associated with sustainability (β = −0.704; C.R. = −6.94), though signs reflect SEM scaling. Mediation analysis uncovered that ICT did not significantly transmit the extension effect to sustainability (β = 0.032), despite a strong model fit (RMR = 0.002). These findings suggest that extension remains the primary driver of sustainability, while ICT plays a supportive role. Strengthening extension within VCDP and ATASP-1 is therefore critical for resilient and sustainable agriculture.