The Digital Revolution in Nigerian Agriculture: How ICTs Are Transforming Extension Services and Reaching Smallholder Farmers

Can digital technologies truly transform agriculture in Nigeria? More importantly, how can they reach the millions of smallholder farmers who produce most of our food?

In this episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sit down with Professor Taofeeq Oyedeji Yekinni, Professor of Agricultural Extension Communication at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, to explore how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are reshaping agricultural extension services and the future of farming in Nigeria.

Drawing from years of research and practical experience, Professor Yekinni explains why digital transformation is no longer optional for Nigeria's agricultural development. We discuss how mobile phones, radio, SMS, social media, the internet, and emerging digital platforms are connecting farmers with timely information, research findings, advisory services, and market opportunities.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• Why ICT-driven agricultural extension is essential for improving productivity and food security.
• How digital media can translate complex agricultural research into practical knowledge that farmers can easily understand and apply.
• Why poor internet connectivity and weak rural infrastructure remain major barriers to digital inclusion.
• The often-overlooked importance of traditional communication tools such as radio and SMS in overcoming language, literacy, trust, and affordability challenges.
• Why a hybrid extension approach -combining traditional and digital media -is the most effective way to reach diverse farming communities.
• The growing risks of agricultural misinformation on social media and how farmers can access credible, verified information for better decision-making.

This episode offers valuable insights for farmers, extension professionals, researchers, students, policymakers, agribusiness professionals, development practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how digital innovation can build a more inclusive, resilient, and productive agricultural sector.

Guest: Professor Taofeeq Oyedeji Yekinni
Host: Toheeb Azeez
Podcast: The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

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