IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 10 NO. 6 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijaes.v10.no6.2024.pg121.135

---

Digital Divide in Agricultural Extension: Exploring ICT Accessibility and Its Influence on Rural Farming Communities

Ik- Ugwoezuonu Lilian Ph.D. .

---

Abstract

This study explores the digital divide in agricultural extension by examining ICT accessibility and its impact on rural farming communities. Given the increasing role of technology in agriculture, understanding how ICT accessibility influences agricultural productivity, the effectiveness of extension services, and digital inclusion strategies is crucial. Using a combination of descriptive and correlation analyses, the research investigates the current state of ICT infrastructure in rural areas and its implications for farming practices. The findings reveal significant disparities in ICT accessibility among rural communities, with improved access correlating strongly with enhanced agricultural productivity (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and more effective agricultural extension services (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the study highlights the critical role of digital inclusion strategies in bridging the digital divide, with a strong correlation observed between effective strategies and higher ICT access (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). These results underscore the need for targeted investments in ICT infrastructure, the integration of technology into extension services, and the implementation of comprehensive digital inclusion strategies. Addressing these areas can significantly enhance the effectiveness of agricultural support services, improve productivity, and foster overall development in rural farming communities.

keywords:

Digital Divide, ICT Accessibility, Agricultural Extension, Rural Communities, Digital

---

References:

Aker, J. C., & Cariolle, J. (2020). The use of digital for public service provision in sub-Saharan
Africa (Ferdi Policy Brief 11 – 209). La Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le
Développement International.

Anderson, M., & Rainie, L. (2018). The impact of digital tools on farmers' productivity and
incomes. Pew Research Center.

Bongiovanni, R., & Lowenberg-Deboer, J. (2020). The role of ICT in agricultural development:
An overview. Agricultural Economics, 51(5), 781-790.

Benami, E., & Carter, M. R. (2021). Can digital technologies reshape rural microfinance?
Implications for savings, credit, and insurance. Applied Economic Perspectives and
Policy, 43(4), 1196-1220. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13189

Beine, M., & Dymond, J. (2020). The digital divide and rural development: A review of current
issues and future research. Telecommunications Policy, 44(6), 101-115.

Bertot, J. C., Jaeger, P. T., & McClure, C. R. (2016). The impact of the digital divide on rural
communities: Evidence and insights. Library Quarterly, 86(1), 1-24.

Chen, W., & Wellman, B. (2021). The digital divide in rural areas: Barriers and opportunities for
improvement. Information Society, 37(4), 275-290.

Dey, S., Choudhury, N., & Miah, M. A. (2019). Bridging the digital divide in rural areas:
Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Rural Studies, 68, 161-169.

Duncombe, R., & Heeks, R. (2018). Development, digital inclusion, and the role of ICT:
Bridging the divide. Journal of International Development, 30(2), 170-184.

Fabregas, R., Kremer, M., & Schilbach, F. (2019). Realizing the potential of digital
development: The case of agricultural advice. Science, 366(6471), 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay0664

Fisher, M., Kandiwa, V., & Kihoro, J. (2021). ICTs and agricultural extension: Innovations and
impacts. Development Policy Review, 39(2), 189-205.

Hargittai, E., & Walejko, G. (2020). The digital divide and its implications for social inequality.
Journal of Social Issues, 76(1), 95-115.

Higgins, K., & Moss, R. (2020). Technology access in rural areas: Challenges and strategies for
bridging the divide. Journal of Rural Studies, 76, 257-268.

Johnson, S., Lee, K., & Garcia, P. (2022). The role of digital literacy in ICT adoption among rural
farmers. Information Technology for Development, 28(2), 159-175.

Kiruja, N., Nyamweya, P., & Sanz, J. (2018). Access to ICT and its impact on rural agricultural
extension services in Kenya. International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural
Development, 7(4), 234-245.

Lee, D., Kim, J., & McGarry, K. (2019). Connectivity and infrastructure gaps in rural broadband:
Implications for digital inclusion. Broadband Policy Review, 8(2), 112-130.

Miller, E. L., & Morrison, M. J. (2018). Financial barriers and support mechanisms for digital
inclusion in rural areas. Telecommunications Policy, 42(1), 45-58.

Morris, M., Rouse, J., & Buchanan, S. (2018). Infrastructure and access to ICT in rural regions:
An overview of the current landscape. Journal of Rural and Community Development,
13(1), 45-60.

Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & McNeal, R. S. (2019). Digital citizenship: The internet, society,
and participation. MIT Press.

Pardey, P. G., Beddow, J. M., & P. G. (2020). The role of ICT in agricultural research and
extension: A review of the evidence. Food Policy, 94, 101-115.

Pardo, C., & Villareal, E. (2016). ICT access and use in rural areas: Understanding the barriers
and opportunities. Information Technology for Development, 22(1), 68-81.

Patel, M., Kumar, R., & Sharma, A. (2021). ICT accessibility and its effects on agricultural
extension services. Journal of Rural Studies, 81, 54-66.

Perrin, A., & Duggan, M. (2015). Americans' internet access: The digital divide and broadband
adoption. Pew Research Center.

Reddick, C. G. (2017). ICT infrastructure and access in rural areas: Policies for digital inclusion.
Journal of Rural Studies, 52, 154-164.

Spielman, D., Lecoutere, E., Makhija, S., & van Campenhout, B. (2021). Information and
communications technology (ICT) and agricultural extension in developing countries.
Annual Review of Resource Economics, 13, 177-201. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-
resource-110119-055515

van Deursen, A. J. A. M., & van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2019). The digital divide in a new era of
digitalization: The role of policy in promoting digital inclusion. Information,
Communication & Society, 22(8), 1157-1175.

van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2017). The digital divide: Theoretical perspectives and research agendas.
SAGE Publications.

Williams, A., Roberts, J., & Singh, T. (2023). Bridging the digital divide in agricultural extension:
Policy interventions and outcomes. Journal of International Development, 35(1), 88-102.

Zhang, Y., Wang, L., & Liu, Y. (2021). Bridging the digital divide in agriculture: A review of
recent developments and future directions. Agricultural Systems, 192, 103-113.

Zhang, L., Liu, Y., & Chen, H. (2022). Access to ICT and its impact on agricultural productivity
in rural areas. Agricultural Systems, 192, 103-113.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back