Adoption Of Digital Agricultural Extension Platforms And Their Contribution To Crop Yields Among Rural Farmers In Nkoranza, The Bono East Region: A Study Of Esoko

Abstract

The growing integration of digital technologies in agricultural extension presents new possibilities for enhancing access to timely information and improving farm productivity among smallholder farmers. This study examines the adoption of Esoko, a digital agricultural extension platform, and its contribution to farming outcomes among rural farmers in Nkoranza in the Bono East Region of Ghana. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, combining survey data with qualitative insights from interviews to explore farmers’ experiences, perceptions, and challenges. The study found generally high awareness and use of Esoko’s core services, particularly weather updates, agronomic advisories, and market price information. Farmers perceived the platform as useful, reliable, and supportive of daily farming decisions. Qualitative accounts underscored Esoko’s role in informing key practices such as planting, input application, and marketing. Nonetheless, users reported challenges related to network connectivity, message timing, and language preferences. The study highlights the need for continued investment in digital infrastructure, improved localisation of content, and stronger integration between digital and traditional extension delivery.