Strengthening digital agricultural extension and advisory services in smallholder farming
Policy guidance on enhancing digital extension and advisory services
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Strengthening digital agricultural extension and advisory services in smallholder farming is a policy-oriented resource designed to provide guidance on enhancing digital extension and advisory services for small-scale farmers. The document examines barriers to digital adoption such as the lack of infrastructure and reception coverage, high cost of digital devices and management and maintenance of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities and products, weak regulatory framework, as well as poor institutional capacity and governance. The document also outlines key enabling conditions and highlights good practices that improve access to timely information, market links, and technical support in rural areas.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The resource highlights digital tools such as mobile applications, SMS services, web platforms, and social media channels that facilitate knowledge dissemination and advisory interactions.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The resource is designed for public extension agencies, researchers, civil society organizations, farmer cooperatives, and smallholder farmers seeking to strengthen digital capacities in advisory service delivery. The report has been downloaded 1 784 times as of December 2025.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The resource is publicly available and free of charge as part of FAO’s digital policy and knowledge portfolio.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The resource aims to strengthen the uptake of digital agricultural services, key actors within the digital EAS ecosystem should collaborate and take complementary measures to bridge the supply side and demand side and improve the provision and delivery of digital EAS to a variety of clients, in particular smallholder farmers.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI); Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better life
Better production
