Digital empowerment in agriculture: Evaluating digital infrastructure, services, benefits, and challenges for smallholder farmers in Chongwe, Zambia
Authors
Munalula, Trans Nyimba
Mpundu, Mubanga
Issue Date
2025
Degree
Publisher
DBS Library Press
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The adoption of digital solutions by smallholder farmers can enhance both input and output market participation, market information, and reduce the cost of selling farm produce thereby increasing productivity. The objectives of this study was to assess the digital empowerment of smallholder farmers in Chongwe, Zambia by evaluating the existing digital infrastructure, available services, perceived benefits, and challenges, with the aim of providing insights that can inform strategies to enhance the effective integration and utilization of digital solutions in agricultural practices. The study followed a mixed methods paradigm using a three-stage sampling procedure. In stage 1, Chongwe district was purposively sampled out of 6 districts in Lusaka province. In stage 2, Nkomesha Block was purposively sampled out of 5 agriculture blocks of Chongwe district. In the last stage, 4 agriculture camps were randomly selected out of 6 camps in Nkomesha Block. Then Yamane’s formula was used to randomly sample 92 smallholder farmers. For qualitative data, 5 key informants were purposively selected for in- depth interviews. The findings were that out of 92 respondents on digital infrastructure available for smallholder farmers in Chongwe, 89 had mobile phones although 59 only had ordinary phones while 30 had smart phones; 55 had internet connection; 2 were connected to national electricity grid, and 87 used solar powered electricity. Out of 92 respondents on digital services available for smallholder farmers, smallholder farmers in Chongwe receiving extension services through three main channels: 78 were through extension works, 69 through radio, and 43 through TV; and 90 used mobile money for financial transactions. Out of 92 respondents on the benefits of digital solutions to smallholder farmers, 91 benefited social
Munalula, T. and Mpundu, M.145 interactions, 90 benefited enhanced extension linkages, 66 benefited access to agriculture information, and 89 benefited from the elimination of middlemen. Out of 92 respondents on the major digital challenges smallholder farmers face, 87 faced high cost of phones, 83 mistrust due to scammers, and 81 high cost of maintenance.