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Effect of Extension Education on Farmers’ Adoption of Digital Field Boundary Recording

Abstract

The study examines the effect of extension education on farmers’ adoption of digital field boundary recording, focusing on how agricultural extension education influences farmers’ use of digital technologies to identify, record, store, and manage the boundaries of their farmland. Digital field boundary recording can support accurate farm mapping, land-use planning, farm monitoring, agricultural data management, and access to location-based agricultural services. However, farmers’ adoption of such technologies may depend on their knowledge, digital skills, access to appropriate devices, and exposure to relevant extension education. The study will assess the extent of farmers’ exposure to extension education and determine their level of adoption of digital field boundary recording practices. It will examine extension education activities such as farmer training, practical demonstrations, farm visits, group meetings, and advisory services. The study will also assess farmers’ use of digital tools, including mobile applications, Global Positioning System-enabled devices, digital maps, and other location-based technologies for recording and managing field boundaries. 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’ exposure to extension education and their adoption of digital field boundary recording. 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 extension education on farmers’ adoption of digital field boundary recording. The study is expected to find that farmers who receive regular and practical extension education demonstrate greater awareness and adoption of digital field boundary recording practices. Extension education may improve farmers’ understanding of digital mapping tools and their applications in identifying field boundaries, recording farm locations, planning land use, and managing agricultural information. Practical demonstrations may further improve farmers’ confidence and ability to use digital devices and applications. However, limited digital literacy, inadequate access to smartphones or GPS-enabled devices, poor internet connectivity, high technology costs, and insufficient technical support may constrain adoption. The findings are expected to provide useful information to agricultural extension personnel, policymakers, agricultural institutions, technology providers, and farmers’ organizations on the importance of extension education in promoting digital field boundary recording. Strengthening extension programmes through practical digital training, demonstrations, farm visits, and continuous technical support may improve farmers’ ability to use digital mapping technologies effectively. The study will conclude that effective extension education can contribute to increased adoption of digital field boundary recording by improving farmers’ knowledge, digital skills, and confidence in using location-based agricultural technologies. It will recommend regular practical training, improved access to appropriate digital devices and applications, continuous extension support, and stronger collaboration among extension personnel, technology providers, and farmers to promote accurate farm mapping and efficient agricultural management.

Keywords: Extension education, farmers’ adoption, digital field boundary recording, agricultural extension, digital mapping, farm mapping, Global Positioning System, digital agriculture, field boundaries, land-use planning, farm management, location-based technology, digital information, farmer training, agricultural technology.