Digital Empowerment in Agriculture

The adoption of digital solutions by smallholder farmers can enhance both input and outputmarket participation, market information, and reduce the cost of selling farm produce therebyincreasing productivity. The objectives of this study was to assess the digital empowermentof smallholder farmers in Chongwe, Zambia by evaluating the existing digital infrastructure,available services, perceived benefits, and challenges, with the aim of providing insights thatcan inform strategies to enhance the effective integration and utilization of digital solutions inagricultural practices. The study followed a mixed methods paradigm using a three-stagesampling procedure. In stage 1, Chongwe district was purposively sampled out of 6 districtsin Lusaka province. In stage 2, Nkomesha Block was purposively samples out of 5agriculture blocks of Chongwe district. In the last stage, 4 agriculture camps were randomlyselected out of 6 camps in Nkomesha Block. Then Yamane’s formula was used to randomlysample 92 smallholder farmers. For qualitative data, 5 key informants were purposivelyselected for in-depth interviews. The findings were that out of 92 respondents on digitalinfrastructure available for smallholder farmers in Chongwe, 89 had mobile phones although59 only had ordinary phones while 30 had smart phones; 55 had internet connection; 2 wereconnected to national electricity grid, and 87 used solar powered electricity. Out of 92respondents on digital services available for smallholder farmers, smallholder farmers inChongwe receiving extension services through three main channels: 78 were throughextension works, 69 through radio, and 43 through TV; and 90 used mobile money forMunalula, T.financial transactions. Out of 92 respondents on the benefits of digital solutions tosmallholder farmers, 91 benefited social interactions, 90 benefited enhance extensionlinkages, 66 benefited access to agriculture information, and 89 benefited elimination ofmiddlemen. Out of 92 respondents on the major digital challenges smallholder farmers face,87 faced high cost of phones, 83 mistrust due to scammers, and 81 high cost ofmaintenance.