Challenges to the Adoption of Mobile-Based Agricultural Extension Communication Among Farmers in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing use of mobile technologies has created opportunities for expanding agricultural extension communication and improving farmers’ access to timely agricultural information. However, the potential of mobile-based extension communication may be constrained by technological, economic and user-related challenges. This study examined the challenges associated with farmers’ adoption of mobile-based agricultural extension communication in South-East Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the mobile-based platforms used by farmers and examined infrastructural, economic and communication-related challenges associated with their adoption and use. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and collected data from 381 farmers across Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia States. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and mean scores, while qualitative responses were used to provide contextual explanations of the quantitative findings. The findings showed that farmers employed multiple mobile-based platforms for agricultural extension communication, with WhatsApp, SMS and Facebook emerging as the principal platforms. The major challenges identified were the cost of mobile data, frequent service breakdown and inadequate technical support. Other technology-access and communication-related factors were reported by some farmers but did not emerge as general barriers under the study’s decision criterion. The study concludes that effective adoption of mobile-based agricultural extension communication depends not only on the availability of mobile platforms but also on affordable connectivity, reliable services and adequate user support. It recommends a multi-platform and farmer-centred extension approach, improved reliability of mobile services, affordable agricultural connectivity and continuous digital-literacy support, while maintaining complementary face-to-face extension services.