ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL EXTENSION TOOLS FOR INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA FARMERS IN IKOM AGRICULTURAL ZONE, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the utilization of digital extension tools for inclusive agricultural knowledge dissemination among small-scale cocoa farmers in the Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 180 cocoa farmers were selected using a multistage sampling technique, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean, were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that farmers had a moderate level of awareness of digital extension tools, with higher familiarity observed for mobile phones, short message service (SMS), and agricultural radio/television programs. However, awareness of more advanced platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and formal e-extension services was relatively low. The study further showed that digital tools were perceived as effective for accessing market information, facilitating communication with extension agents, and saving time, although their role in enhancing learning and knowledge sharing remained limited. Major constraints to the utilization of digital tools included poor network coverage, unreliable power supply, high cost of smartphones and internet data, and inadequate government support. The study concludes that while digital extension tools have significant potential to improve agricultural information dissemination, their effectiveness is constrained by infrastructural and economic challenges. It is therefore recommended that farmers be provided with regular digital literacy training, rural ICT infrastructure be improved, access to digital devices and services be subsidized, and government support for integrating digital tools into extension systems be strengthened to promote inclusive and sustainable cocoa farming.