CONTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN DISSIMINATION OF INNOVATIONS AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN SOUTHERN TARABA, AGRICULTURAL ZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract The study assessed the contribution of digital platforms in dissemination of innovations among rural farmers in Southern Taraba, Agricultural Zone, Nigeria. The specific objective were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, identify the types of digital platforms used by rural farmers, access the accessibility and usability of the identified platforms, assess the effectiveness of digital platforms in improving farming practices determine the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption of the identified digital platforms and identify challenges faced by farmers in using digital platforms. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 123 respondents from three local government areas, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, types of digital platforms, accessibility, usability, effectiveness, and challenges, while Tobit regression analysis was applied to analyze the socioeconomic factors influencing adoption. Findings revealed that most respondents were in their economically active years wmean age = 37.6 years), predominantly male (69.9%), and fairly literate, with 84.6% having attained secondary or tertiary education. Facebook (75.6%), WhatsApp (48.0%), and YouTube (30.9%) emerged as the most widely used platforms, with farmers mainly accessing weather forecasts, pest and disease control information, and improved crop varieties. Digital platforms were found to be effective in improving yields (72.5%), enhancing market access (92.6%), and promoting the adoption of improved technologies (63.4%). However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity (94.3%), high data costs (89.4%), and unstable electricity supply (88.9%) limited usage were encountered by the respondents. The Tobit regression results indicated that Age (0.013) was significant at 1%, Farm size (0.060) was significant at 5%, Internet access (0.189) was significant at 10% and occupation (−0.148) was also significant at 1% which significantly influenced adoption, with smallholders and full-time farmers more likely to adopt digital platforms compared to large-scale and part-time farmers. The study concludes that digital extension platforms play a vital role in bridging agricultural knowledge gaps and improving rural farmers’ productivity and livelihoods. It recommends strengthening ICT infrastructure, reducing data costs, and tailoring digital services to farmers’ socioeconomic contexts for sustainable adoption.