Digital Literacy Development Among Farmers: Evidence from the Digital Farmers Program in Davao City, Philippines

The study examined the effectiveness of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in enhancing the Digital Literacy of Farmers. It also sought the factors influencing the Digital Literacy of Farmers. A quantitative research design and random sampling were employed to select 48 DFP-trained farmers. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analyzed using the test of difference and multiple linear regression. The result revealed that the digital farmers program significantly improved the digital literacy level of farmers. The mean score of the digital literacy level showed a significant improvement from a mean score of 2.22 before the training to 3.73 after the training. Location, educational attainment, digital tool ownership, and internet connectivity were found to be the significant facilitating factors of the digital literacy level. Those in the urban areas have a higher digital literacy level than those in the rural areas. College graduate farmers with access to digital tools and internet connectivity were found to have a higher digital literacy level than other farmers. On the other hand, the age of the farmer was found to be a significant hindering factor influencing the digital literacy level. It indicates that older farmers have low digital literacy level than young farmers. Thus, there is a significant difference in the digital literacy level of farmers before and after the Digital Farmers Program. Also, the farmers' demographic profile significantly affects the digital literacy of farmers