ASSESSMENT OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION IN DIGITAL-BASED ADVISORY SERVICE: A CASE STUDY OF MYFARMBASE AFRICA

OLASEHINDE,, FAITHFULNESS FEHINTOLUWA (2022) ASSESSMENT OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION IN DIGITAL-BASED ADVISORY SERVICE: A CASE STUDY OF MYFARMBASE AFRICA. Masters thesis, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State.

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Abstract

The conventional agricultural extension practice due to several factors is not effective in capturing the interest of the younger generation. Given the prevalence of digital and social media platforms among young people, these channels can be used to pique their interest in agriculture. The general objective of the study was to assess smallholder farmers’ participation in a digital-based extension advisory service with a focus on MyFarmbase Africa while the specific objectives include: to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers under MyFarmbase Africa, identify the farmers’ source of information, identify the mode of communication to farmers, determine the farmers’ awareness of MyFarmbase Africa programmes, determine the farmers’ perception towards MyFarmbase Africa, determine the benefits farmers derive, assess the farmers’ participation and determine farmers’ perceived constraints to participation. A total sampling procedure was proposed for the study however, only 121 responded from which data was collected using a questionnaire via Google form survey. Descriptive statistical tools, Chi-square, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. The majority of the respondents were young, married, had tertiary education, and have been in farming for 5-10 years. The mean for household size was 5 and farm size was 2.7 hectares. The Majority of the respondents were aware of only four programmes. The farmers’ age, household size, and perception had a significant correlation with their participation. Also, Farmers’ awareness of MFB Global Agricultural Development Programme, Master Class, Value chain specialization and Yearly hangout as well as their perception was significant to their participation. Quick access to agricultural information, support from other participants in the group, information about the latest, up-to-date agricultural innovations, great networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and a ready market were the top five benefits enjoyed by the respondents. The major constraints to participation were Epileptic or no power supply which ranked 1st, Poor telecommunication service (Bad network) 2nd, and the cost of data to access online information from MyFarmbase which ranked 3rd. To improve participation, an alternative source of electricity, better network coverage in every part of the country, reduction in the cost of data, and inclusion of physical extension visits is recommended.

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