The Role of Digital and Precision Agronomy in Enhancing Crop Productivity in Resource-Constrained Settings

  • Akmal Rasool
Keywords: precision agronomy, digital agriculture, crop productivity, smallholder farmers, resource-constrained settings, sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Agricultural extension services are central to improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. In recent years, digital tools have emerged as innovative platforms for extension, offering opportunities to overcome barriers of distance, cost, and timeliness. This study investigates the impact of digital tools on knowledge transfer and adoption of agricultural practices among farmers in Pakistan. A quantitative survey of 400 farmers was conducted using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires measured digital tool usage, knowledge transfer, and adoption behavior. Regression and mediation analyses revealed that digital tool usage significantly enhances knowledge transfer (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), which partially mediates the relationship with adoption of practices (indirect effect = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22–0.38). Education was found to strengthen the effect of digital tools on knowledge transfer, while age did not show significant moderation. The study concludes that integrating digital tools into agricultural extension services can substantially improve knowledge dissemination and adoption of improved practices. Policy recommendations include promoting digital literacy, tailoring extension content to local contexts, and leveraging public-private partnerships to scale digital advisory platforms.

Published
2025-09-21