NAERLS, NIERA Study Digital Solutions to Improve Agricultural Extension

The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) and the Network of Impact Evaluation Research in Africa (NIERA) are collaborating on a study to improve agricultural extension services and expand farmers’ access to information through digital technology.

The research, titled *Rapid Evidence to Guide Resource Allocation and Digital Extension Scale-Up in Nigeria*, aims to identify effective ways of delivering agricultural information and guide investment in extension services.

At a stakeholder meeting held on October 26, 2026, at the NAERLS Conference Hall, researchers, policymakers, development partners, extension providers and farmers discussed challenges and priorities for the study.

The Head of the Livestock and Fisheries Programme at NAERLS, Professor Buba Wahe, who represented the Executive Director, Professor Y. A. Sani, said the research should address practical challenges in the extension system and help farmers receive timely and reliable information.

The Principal Investigator, Ojiri Enahoro Innocent, said the study would assess communication channels, including traditional and digital platforms, to determine which methods work best for different farmers.

Co-Principal Investigator Yahaya Kayode said the findings would help policymakers decide how to allocate resources and select suitable extension methods.

The study is expected to support better extension funding decisions, improve information delivery and help farmers make informed decisions to boost productivity and food security.