Effect of Digital Extension and E-Learning Intervention and Adoption Among Cassava and Fish Farmers in Bayelsa State

This research investigated the effects of digital extension and e-learning intervention and adoption among cassava and fish farmers in Bayelsa State. A quasi-experimental design incorporating pre test and post-test assessments was employed, involving 240 active smallholder farmers selected from Yenagoa, Ogbia and Sagbama Local Government Areas. Agricultural advisory content was delivered through WhatsApp groups, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and YouTube videos over a twelve-week period. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The results indicated that farmers’ technical knowledge improved after the interventions. Cassava and fish farmers acknowledged the positive contributions of the interventions, with fish farmers expressing greater perceived benefits. The interventions also shaped production decisions and farm management practices, particularly in fertiliser and feed application, input selection, disease control and weed management. Technology adoption emerged as a significant predictor of changes in farmers’ practices after the interventions. Nevertheless, inconsistent mobile network connectivity, expensive data subscriptions, unreliable electricity and inadequate digital literacy limited effective engagement. The research concluded that digital extension and e-learning interventions offer opportunities for enhancing agricultural knowledge dissemination and improving farming practices. It recommended the establishment of public–private partnerships to improve rural network infrastructure and provide subsidised data packages for farmers.