Digital agricultural extension systems, mobile communication adoption, and financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between digital agricultural extension systems, mobile communication adoption, and financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in Southwest Nigeria. The increasing integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into agricultural practices has transformed rural farming systems by improving access to extension services, financial products, market information, and digital payment systems. Despite the growing penetration of mobile technologies in Nigeria, many smallholder farmers still face barriers to effective utilization of digital agricultural and financial services. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical review approach using secondary data from scholarly journals, government publications, and institutional reports. The findings revealed that mobile communication technologies such as smartphones, SMS platforms, mobile applications, WhatsApp groups, and mobile banking systems significantly enhance farmers’ access to agricultural information and financial services. The study further identified education, income level, digital literacy, network availability, and infrastructural development as major determinants of adoption. However, challenges including poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, inadequate electricity supply, and limited rural banking infrastructure continue to hinder effective financial inclusion among rural farmers. The paper concludes that digital agricultural extension systems have substantial potential to promote agricultural productivity, financial accessibility, and rural economic development in Southwest Nigeria. The study recommends increased government investment in rural digital infrastructure, farmer digital literacy programmes, and collaborative partnerships between financial institutions, telecommunication providers, and agricultural extension agencies.