The role of information and communication technologies-based extension in agriculture: application, opportunities and challenges

Limited access to information about new technologies is a major barrier to agricultural productivity. To bridge this information gap, agricultural extension services increasingly use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide timely and actionable information to farmers. This systematic review analyses evidence from 49 studies examining the impact of ICT interventions including mobile apps, SMS messaging, educational videos, and voice calling services on awareness, agricultural practices adoption, yields, and income. The review reveals that 76% of studies reported increased adoption of good agricultural practices, 60% demonstrated improved awareness, 74% indicated higher yields, and 68% observed enhanced incomes. Cereals, particularly maize, were the most studied crops, featuring in 52% of the studies. The success of the ICT interventions depends on well-designed messaging, adequate user training, and integration with complementary interventions. While ICTs demonstrate substantial potential to advance agricultural development outcomes, their success requires customization to local contexts, capacities, and cropping systems.

获取新技术信息的渠道有限是制约农业生产力提升的主要障碍。为填补这一信息鸿沟，农业推广服务正日益借助信息和通信技术（ICTs）向农户提供及时且可操作的信息。本系统综述分析了49项研究的证据，这些研究探讨了包括移动应用程序、短信服务、教育视频及语音通话服务在内的ICT干预措施对农户认知、农业实践采纳、产量及收入的影响。综述结果显示，76%的研究报告了良好农业实践采纳率的提升，60%的研究证实了农户认知水平的改善，74%的研究表明产量有所提高，68%的研究观察到收入的增加。谷物类作物（尤其是玉米）是研究最多的对象，在52%的研究中均有涉及。ICT干预措施的成功取决于精心设计的信息内容、充分的用户培训以及与互补性干预措施的整合。尽管ICTs在推动农业发展成果方面展现出巨大潜力，但其成功仍需根据当地情境、能力及种植体系进行定制化调整。