Utilization of Digital Technologies Among Agricultural Extension Agents in Southeast Nigeria

Digital Communication Technology (DCT) presents strategic policy opportunities for strengthening information flows, stakeholder interaction, and innovation diffusion within the system. This study examined the Utilization of Digital Technologies among Agricultural Extension Agents in Southeast Nigeria using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from one hundred and eighty extension personnel using a structured questionnaire. Result showed high availability of mobile phones (98.3%), and WhatsApp platforms (91.1%), but limited access to institutional e-extension portals and diagnostic applications. Utilization was moderate (𝑥̄ = 2.87), while perceived benefits included increased outreach (𝑥̄ = 3.45), timeliness of information delivery (𝑥̄ = 3.52), enhanced farmer participation (𝑥̄ = 3.31), and youth engagement (𝑥̄ = 3.27). Major constraints identified were poor internet connectivity (𝑥̄ = 3.61), inadequate funding (𝑥̄ = 3.48), low digital literacy among farmers (𝑥̄ = 3.33), and erratic power supply (𝑥̄ = 3.29). With Pearson correlation analysis, a significant positive relationship (r = 0.64, p < 0.05) was established between digital technology utilization and extension effectiveness. The study concluded that strengthening AEIS requires deliberate policy action, including dedicated digital extension budgets, rural broadband infrastructure expansion, institutionalization of e-extension platforms, and continuous digital capacity building for extension personnel and farmers. A coordinated national digital extension framework is recommended to enhance accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable agricultural transformation.