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Effect of Agricultural Extension on Farmers’ Adoption of Digital Soil Mapping Information

Abstract

The study examines the effect of agricultural extension on farmers’ adoption of digital soil mapping information, focusing on how agricultural extension services influence farmers’ use of digitally generated soil information for farm planning and management. Digital soil mapping provides spatial information about soil properties, variability, and characteristics that can support informed decisions on crop selection, fertilizer application, soil management, and land-use planning. However, farmers’ adoption of digital soil mapping information may depend on their access to agricultural extension support, technical guidance, and relevant digital technologies. The study will assess the extent of farmers’ access to agricultural extension services and determine their level of adoption of digital soil mapping information. It will examine extension activities such as farm visits, training programmes, practical demonstrations, group meetings, and advisory services. The study will also assess farmers’ use of digital soil information for activities such as identifying soil characteristics, selecting suitable crops, determining appropriate soil management practices, guiding fertilizer application, and planning the use of farmland. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise farmers in the selected study area, from whom respondents will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on farmers’ access to agricultural extension services and their adoption of digital soil mapping information. The data collected will be analysed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while appropriate inferential statistical techniques will be used to determine the effect of agricultural extension on farmers’ adoption of digital soil mapping information. The study is expected to find that farmers who have regular access to agricultural extension services demonstrate greater awareness and adoption of digital soil mapping information. Extension support may improve farmers’ understanding of digital soil maps and their applications in soil and crop management, while practical demonstrations may increase farmers’ confidence in interpreting and applying soil information. However, limited digital literacy, inadequate extension contact, poor access to digital devices and internet services, high technology costs, and insufficient technical training may constrain adoption. The findings are expected to provide useful information to agricultural extension personnel, policymakers, soil management institutions, technology providers, and farmers’ organizations on the importance of extension support in promoting the use of digital soil mapping information. Strengthening extension education through practical demonstrations, digital training, farm visits, and simplified interpretation of soil maps may improve farmers’ ability to use digital soil information in agricultural decision-making. The study will conclude that effective agricultural extension can contribute to increased adoption of digital soil mapping information by improving farmers’ knowledge, skills, and access to technical support. It will recommend increased extension contact, practical training on digital soil mapping tools, improved access to digital agricultural technologies, and stronger collaboration among extension personnel, soil scientists, technology providers, and farmers to promote informed and efficient farm management.

Keywords: Agricultural extension, farmers’ adoption, digital soil mapping, soil information, digital agriculture, soil management, farm management, agricultural extension services, soil characteristics, soil mapping, fertilizer management, crop selection, land-use planning, digital technology, agricultural information.