The Role of Digital Farming Tools on Crop Production among Small Scale Farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Crop production is crucial to humanity as it provides food security which is the most fundamental for energy, growth, and health thereby preventing malnutrition, providing the essential raw materials for industries, generating employment of various kinds to supporting vast populations particularly in rural areas thus reducing poverty and hunger, driving economic growth and development by creating jobs, generating income and supporting related sectors while also playing a vital role in environmental sustainability. Sustainable farming practices protect soil, conserve water, enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change and community well-being through resource management and rural development. In essence, agriculture underpins human survival, societal development, and economic stability, making it indispensable for global well-being. Therefore, it will be of great importance to include digital farming tools that use a data-driven approach to increase productivity, efficiency and sustainability in agriculture which is crucial for meeting the food demands of a growing population while minimizing environmental impact among small-scale farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. This paper looks at the meaning of digital farming and its relevance in crop production, examples of digital farming tools, how small-scale farmers can be benefited using digital farm tools. It was suggested among others that small-scale farmers should be encouraged to start with clear goals and pilot farm before embarking on the use of digital farming tools, government should prioritize training and support for small- scale farmers through agricultural extension services or farmer networks because digital literacy can be a major barrier to its adoption, ensure reliable technical supports, establishment of farmer groups or digital platforms like WhatsApp groups or online forums to share experiences, learn best practices, and access timely information on weather, markets and agronomy.