Transforming Agricultural Extension in the Digital Age: A Review of ICT-Based Approaches and Innovations

Transforming Agricultural Extension in the Digital Age: A Review of ICT-Based Approaches and Innovations

Ivan L. Dujali¹, Shiella Mae B. Inutan¹, Maryjoy S. Bacus², Anecil S. Quijano-Pagutayao², Venson B. Sarita^*3

¹Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Davao Oriental State University, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

²College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines

³Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Technology, Davao Oriental State University, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12030064

Received: 17 March 2025; Accepted: 01 April 2025; Published: 13 April 2025 

ABSTRACT

The availability of knowledge and innovations through agricultural extension services leads to higher productivity levels among farmers. The traditional methods of farm visits and community training struggle to reach distant locations. The solution to these challenges has emerged through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) which includes digital tools such as mobile applications and SMS advisories and AI-powered crop monitoring and online training systems that enhance information access and farming efficiency. The implementation of ICT-based extension services delivers immediate agricultural guidance and market connections and training opportunities which result in enhanced farming practices. The implementation of ICT in Davao Oriental Philippines has resulted in better crop yields and improved resource management and higher farmer participation. AI-powered applications for disease diagnosis and market access have enabled data-driven decisions which reduce losses and increase profitability. The widespread adoption of these benefits remains limited because of digital literacy restrictions and insufficient internet connectivity and socioeconomic challenges. The paper advocates for policies that will enhance digital infrastructure development and establish training programs for farmers and strengthen public-private partnerships to guarantee inclusive access to ICT-driven extension services. The implementation of ICT-based extension requires additional funding to convert conventional farming into modern efficient sustainable systems. The full potential of ICT-driven agricultural extension depends on equal digital tool access and successful adoption barrier solutions to build sustainable farming communities.

Keywords: Agricultural extension, ICT-based extension, digital farming, innovations, sustainable agriculture

INTRODUCTION

Rural development has relied on agricultural extension as its fundamental support system to help farmers boost their production levels and learn new farming methods and adapt to environmental changes. The traditional extension service delivery methods included direct contact with farmers through meetings and farm site visits, yet these methods failed to effectively reach distant farming areas with limited resources (Briones et al., 2023). The fast development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has revolutionized agricultural extension by enabling broader knowledge sharing and immediate support for farmers. The combination of mobile applications and SMS advisory services and e-learning modules creates a digital platform that connects agricultural experts with farming communities to deliver practical real-time information which improves both decision-making and productivity (Dutta, 2023).

ICT implementation in agricultural extension services has brought new methods which boost farmers’ access to essential information. The combination of smartphone applications with artificial intelligence (AI) enables farmers to identify crop diseases and pests through image recognition which results in prompt action and decreased losses (The Guardian, 2024). Through digital platforms and mobile-based advisory systems farmers obtain current weather forecasts together with pest control strategies and market trends which help them choose optimal decisions for productivity and sustainability (AI Publications, 2024). Virtual communities established through social media and online forums enable farmers to learn from each other through peer-to-peer interactions while developing joint solutions for agricultural problems (FAO, 2024).

The adoption of ICT-based extension services faces ongoing obstacles despite their proven advantages. The complete use of digital tools remains restricted because rural areas lack sufficient digital infrastructure access. Smallholder farmers encounter two main obstacles to using ICT resources effectively for farming practice improvement because they lack digital literacy skills (Kante et al., 2024). The integration of digital solutions into traditional farming practices faces delays because of both financial limitations and cultural resistance to change as well as socioeconomic factors (Islam & Grönlund, 2024). The solution to these challenges needs specific policies which should focus on digital literacy education and rural connectivity development and localized digital solution creation for universal farmer access.

The agricultural extension services in Davao Oriental are adopting ICT-based innovations at a slow pace to assist local farmers. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and private organizations work together to offer mobile-based advisory services and online training modules and digital market linkages (ATI, 2023). The establishment of Farmers’ Training Centers with modern technologies serves as a recent initiative to improve knowledge access and agricultural sustainability in the region (Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, 2024). The growing importance of ICT integration in extension services becomes clear through these initiatives which enhance productivity while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and building up farming communities.

The ICT plays an important role in addressing different external challenges in agriculture sector. The creation of Ai and new discovery in technology improves the quality of life for farmer for better mitigation during calamities and pest outbreaks. With new breakthrough the future is now being shaped by modernized techs and application made for the challenges of today’s generation.

OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of this study are developed to provide a thorough understanding of the extent to which Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have influenced extension service in Davao Oriental, Philippines in terms of:

• To study the influence of ICTs on agricultural extension delivery in Davao Oriental, Philippines.
• To determine the types of ICT tools and platforms being used in agricultural extension.
• To know barriers of digital access and adoption of farmers and extension workers.
• To evaluate the impact of ICTs in the decision-making of farmers and the general productivity.

METHODOLOGY

The study aimed to review on the impacts of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on agricultural extension services in Davao Oriental, Philippines. The PRISMA guideline was applied to ensure a structured method for identifying applicable literature. The primary aim was to generate evidence on the influence of ICT creativity on extension service delivery, and farmers’ participation in practicing agriculture sustainability.

Search strategy to obtain data, the investigators conducted a comprehensive literature search through multiple databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. They employed search strings such as “ICT in agriculture,” “digital agricultural advisory services,” “e-extension,” “mobile advisory services,” “precision agriculture,” as well as “Davao Oriental,” and the “Philippines,” concatenated by using Boolean operators (AND, OR). This review concentrated on the literature between 2014 and 2024, to be current with the information.

The review was complemented by information from local or national government including the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the FAO as well as from institutional documents and plans in the regions where ATI operates. At first, 164 documents were identified, and title/abstracts were screened following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria after deduplication. The researchers searched for studies on ICT-based extension services, technology adoption, and impacts on agricultural outcomes, and they excluded studies on extension activities that did not involve ICT.

Forty-five papers were included for qualitative synthesis following full-text screening. These sources were: peer-reviewed articles, nation and international case studies, policy papers, and program evaluations. The following five key themes emerged through thematic synthesis of the data: Extension ICT tools and platforms, Barriers to digital access and use, Impact On judgment and productivity, Partnerships between the public and private sectors and Approaches to upscaling ICT solutions. These themes facilitated analysis to be compared systematically across both regional and international studies, in order to identify general trends and specific local contexts in Davao Oriental. The study concluded that while digital tools can improve agriculture, infrastructure deficits, policy concerns, as well as adoption barriers by farmers had to be overcome for sustainable and inclusive use. The results provide important lessons for how digital transformation can contribute to agricultural systems’ resilience and ‘future fitness’ in Davao Oriental, and equivalent rural areas.

DISCUSSIONS

ICT-Based Approaches and Innovations in the Digital Age of Agricultural Extension

The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the past few years has transformed the Agricultural Extension Services (AES), making them more cost-effective and within reach. That traditional mode of agricultural extension, the old informal system based on person-to-person contact, now takes advantage of digital platforms to enable the spread of information to farmers from far away. Mobile applications along with SMS-based platforms provide direct access to weather forecasts, market prices; and good agricultural practices (GAP) that helps farmers to get better decisions. The shift promises higher productivity and is a proof of the sustainability of agriculture that is being practiced. The implementation of smartphone applications with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities stands as a significant innovation. The apps enable farmers to identify crop diseases and pests through phone image analysis. The adoption of AI-powered tools such as Plant Village by Kenyan farmers enables them to effectively diagnose and manage crop problems which results in higher production and lower waste. These technologies provide farmers with knowledge they could not access before thus connecting agricultural experts with farming communities (The Guardian, 2024).

Digital platforms enable farmers to establish virtual communities which serve as platforms for sharing experiences and solutions. Farmers use online forums and social media groups to exchange knowledge about different agricultural challenges and innovations. The peer-to-peer learning model helps practical solutions spread more effectively while building a sense of community among farmers. The platforms in Davao Oriental Philippines serve as essential tools for promoting sustainable farming practices while enhancing local livelihoods.

ICT plays a dual role in agricultural extension by serving as both an information dissemination tool and a capacity building instrument. Through e-learning modules and webinars farmers receive continuous education which helps them learn about modern agricultural technologies and methods. Digital learning resources serve farmers best when they live in regions with restricted access to conventional training programs. Agricultural extension services use ICT to deliver customized learning experiences which adapt to the different requirements of farmers (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025).

ICT-based innovations have enhanced data collection and analysis in agriculture. Digital tools allow for efficient field data collection which can be analyzed to identify trends and inform policy decisions. The effectiveness of ICT-based agricultural extension services in Ethiopia has been reviewed to enhance data-driven decision-making processes which resulted in more targeted interventions and resource allocation (Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2024). Data-centric approaches ensure that agricultural policies and programs are responsive to the actual needs of farmers which enhances the overall efficacy of extension services.

Current Landscape of Agricultural Extension Services in Davao Oriental

The behavior of conventional extension work in Davao Oriental is based on person-to-person interaction with the farmers. The extension workers engage with farmers on farm visits and in community meetings, with hands-on training sessions. The primary focus is to create awareness about best farming practices and new technologies for productivity enhancement. The direct on-farm approach allows extension staff to offer tailored advice that assists them in solving problems unique to specific farmers. The approach is a time consuming and does not cover all farmers especially ones located in remote areas.

The process of knowledge dissemination and adoption faces multiple challenges for both farmers and extension workers in Davao Oriental. The lack of modern farming information access among farmers prevents them from enhancing their yields and sustainability. The combination of financial limitations together with traditional thinking and restricted educational opportunities creates obstacles for farmers to implement new farming methods. Extension workers encounter difficulties because they have insufficient resources and they must serve many farmers while facing challenges to reach distant communities. The combination of these challenges creates knowledge transfer gaps which slows down the adoption of innovative agricultural practices.

The agricultural extension services in Davao Oriental receive vital support from both government agencies and private organizations. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) under the Department of Agriculture leads government efforts through training programs and resources and policy support to enhance agricultural practices. The ATI’s Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Strategic Plan for 2023-2028 sets objectives to achieve efficient production and improved competitiveness through agripreneurship while emphasizing the need to integrate digital technologies for better farmer information access (ATI Central Office, n.d.). Private organizations including non-governmental organizations and agribusiness firms enhance these efforts through specialized training and financial support and market connection services. The collaborative system works to build an extensive support network which handles different agricultural development needs from technical education to financial backing.

The agricultural extension services in Davao Oriental face current challenges which new approaches aim to solve. The implementation of digital tools through mobile applications and online platforms improves both the accessibility and efficiency of knowledge dissemination. The upcoming Farmers’ Training Center with its modern facilities will provide farmers access to essential tools and techniques and knowledge needed for modern agricultural success (Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, 2024). The innovations were created to eliminate geographical obstacles and resource constraints so more farmers can access extension services.

Traditional agricultural extension methods in Davao Oriental have established knowledge dissemination but face ongoing challenges because of restricted resources and limited accessibility. The combination of government-private organization collaboration with digital innovation adoption plays a crucial role in developing extension services that serve all communities more effectively. The adoption of these changes by Davao Oriental will lead to better agricultural productivity and sustainability which will enhance the living standards of its farming communities.

ICT-Based Agricultural Extension

The implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services transformed how farmers obtain information and receive assistance. The traditional extension methods operated through direct human contact which restricted their ability to reach distant rural areas. Mobile applications together with SMS-based advisory services deliver immediate weather forecasts and pest control information and market price updates to farmers who use this data for better decision-making. Mobile-based platforms in India successfully provide advisory services through SMS alerts and mobile apps which deliver vital farming information (Dutta, 2023). The new technologies enable farmers to swiftly adapt to changing situations which leads to decreased losses and enhanced productivity.

Social media platforms together with e-learning platforms and digital libraries have improved agricultural extension knowledge sharing. Through online forums and social media groups farmers together with extension workers exchange ideas and seek advice while staying updated about best practices. Through e-learning platforms and digital libraries users gain access to training modules and research materials which support ongoing learning and skill development. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2014) shows that digital tools spread knowledge to a wider audience so smallholder farmers in distant areas can access modern agricultural scientific developments.

The integration of remote sensing with GIS and precision farming systems has improved extension delivery in agriculture. Sensors and GIS can provide a combination to the farmers to better understand their soil status, crop growth, land use through a proven analysis process. Ngulube (2025) indicates that these technologies become more efficient and sustainable when water and fertilizers are utilized optimally in precision agriculture. These strategies support resource efficiency and help to ensure higher food security through diminishing waste and increasing yields.

Despite adequate technological developments the use of ICT-based extension has been struggling to be effective. The uptake of technology is challenging because smallholder farmers are not digitally literate and have limited infrastructure and high technology costs. The FAO (2014) argues that targeted interventions, including digital training programs as well as better connections in rural areas, are required to close these gaps. To maximize the potential benefits on all farmers, regardless of financial level, ICT-based extension services need to tackle essential barriers, such as the ones outlined above.

ICT-based tools and applications in agricultural extension have improved the access and delivery of extension services. Mobile Apps, SMS-based advisories, social media and learning resources, remote sensing and precision agriculture also support informed decision-making and sustainable agriculture. Sustained digital infrastructure investment and training and policy support are necessary to realize the potential of this innovation in inclusive agricultural extension.

Adoption and Accessibility of ICT in Agricultural Extension

The successful application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to agricultural extension leads to the stronger support of farming through prompt delivery of information and decision support. The potential benefits of ICT-based extension services largely rest on both farmers and extension workers being digitally literate. The study by Sugihono et al. (2024) in North Maluku, Indonesia found that lower compulsory extension officers age and higher study level had better digital skills, while the overall digital literacy was 54.3 %. The findings indicate that many experts require certain training to work with digital tools of knowledge management. Both farmers and extension officers are deficient in digital literacy which limits the effectiveness of ICT-based extension services.

Rural areas are confronted with additional barriers to ICT application in agriculture due to infrastructure constraints. Due to absence of internet access and inadequate digital devices and unsuitable power supply system, many farmers are unable to harness the full potential of ICT tools. Kante et al. (2024) identified lack of computers amongst Sub-Saharan African extension officers as a significant problem which is also observed amongst rural farming communities in the Philippines. Unreliable internet access and insufficient tech infrastructure holds back digital extension solutions from meeting the demand of the farmers who need them. Investments need to be made in rural internet infrastructure and in ensuring that mobile devices are affordable to all users in addressing the digital divide in agricultural extension.

Adoption of ICT by farmers varies depending on their economic status and cultural context. Islam & Grönlund (2024) studies how the adoption of ICT is dependent on four key factors, which are: age, level of education and income and gender. Elderly and less educated farmers tend to shun the digital tools, while women farmers face added resistance due to the social and cultural attitudes predominant in the society. Communities of traditional farmers are skeptical in digital advisory services because of the desire for in person interactions with extension officers. The targeted policy programs should aim to cater for the specific needs of different groups of farmers and develop inclusive ICT training activities.

The use of ICTs for extension in agriculture also requires construction of interventions to enhance digital literacy and infrastructure, as well as address the underlying challenges rooted in the socio-economic arena. The utilization of digital training materials that correlate with the needs of farmers and extension workers will improve their competency on use of mobile applications and e-learning platforms and ICT tools. Internet penetration in the rural areas coupled with decreasing prices of the digital tools will give more farmers access to online agricultural advisory services.” Effective community engagement strategies are still needed to gain trust in ICT solutions and expand the ISC participation in the digital extension programs.

ICT offers opportunities for converting agricultural extension but its full potential needs to be realized where the digital literacy gaps, institutional capacity, infrastructure problems, and the impact of socio-economic factors are resolved. Agricultural transformation for development through information and communication technologies full potential of ICT for agricultural transformation needs investments for digital education, better technology infrastructure, and a need for inclusive policies that support the ICT adoption for farming community being the aim. These actions will enhance efficiency and access to capital and will contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural farms.

Impact of ICT-Based Extension on Farmers’ Productivity and Decision-Making

The implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services has enhanced decision-making and productivity among farmers in the Philippines. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) uses ICT-based extension services to deliver real-time information about crop management and pest control and weather updates to farmers. The implementation of digital tools has enabled farmers to adopt precision farming methods which results in higher production levels and minimized resource consumption (AI Publications, 2024). The Rice Crop Manager and e-KADIWA are two digital platforms that enable farmers to access better market opportunities and make data-driven decisions.

Traditional farming practices have undergone a transformation through the implementation of precision agriculture tools which include GPS-guided equipment and automated irrigation systems and satellite-based monitoring. The digital solutions used by Filipino farmers have improved their resource management efficiency especially when it comes to water and fertilizer (OpenGov Asia, 2023). Remote sensing technologies enable farmers to identify crop diseases at their initial stages which helps them prevent damage and minimize losses. The implemented advancements have resulted in better productivity and reduced operational expenses which support the long-term sustainability of smallholder farming.

Digital innovations have brought about substantial improvements in market access. The Philippine-based agri-tech startup Mayani operates as a platform which links smallholder farmers to urban consumers and restaurants and businesses. The removal of middlemen enables farmers to get fair prices for their produce while securing a more stable income stream. Digital platforms enable farmers to obtain financial resources which they can use to purchase better quality seeds and fertilizers and equipment (AIM2Flourish, 2024). The enhanced financial inclusion capabilities enable small-scale farmers to grow their farming businesses.

ICT-based extension services play a crucial role in climate adaptation through their implementation. Farmers need to implement risk-mitigation strategies because climate variability continues to rise. Through mobile applications farmers receive immediate weather information and disaster warnings which enable them to make better decisions about their planting and harvesting activities. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shows that digital climate-smart solutions together with extension services improve farmers’ ability to withstand extreme weather events thus minimizing climate change effects on food production (PIDS, 2023).

The Philippines has experienced major improvements in farmer productivity and decision-making and market access and climate adaptation through ICT-based agricultural extension services. The digital platforms PhilRice’s Rice Crop Manager and Mayani and weather advisory applications deliver essential information to farmers which results in better agricultural practices that are both efficient and sustainable. The adoption of these technologies faces ongoing challenges because of digital literacy gaps and infrastructure limitations. The effectiveness of digital agriculture will improve through sustained ICT solution investments and targeted extension programs which will drive long-term growth of the farming sector.

Strengthening ICT-Driven Agricultural Extension in Davao Oriental

The implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services in Davao Oriental needs well-structured policies. The main recommendation involves enhancing digital infrastructure by extending internet access throughout rural regions. Internet instability prevents farmers from accessing ICT-based advisory services and decision-making tools. The integration of digital literacy programs into current agricultural extension work will enable farmers and extension workers to properly use mobile applications and online platforms (Agricultural Training Institute [ATI], 2023). Government agencies should collaborate with educational institutions to establish training programs which meet the requirements of smallholder farmers.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) function as a fundamental tool for advancing ICT-driven agricultural extension. Through partnerships with private technology companies the government can implement modern digital solutions which enhance farmer productivity and market reach. The development of mobile applications by agri-tech companies provides farmers with immediate access to weather information and pest alerts and market price updates for better decision-making. The partnerships work to distribute affordable smartphones and data plans which enables more farmers to access digital platforms. The research conducted by Llanto and Ortiz (2022) demonstrates how Public-Private Partnerships boost Philippine agricultural value chains through digital solutions that drive rural development.

ICT-driven agricultural extension requires sustainable and inclusive program design for long-term success. The development of digital tools with user-friendly interfaces in multiple local languages represents a key strategy to make these innovations accessible to farmers with limited literacy skills. The creation of community digital hubs as knowledge exchange centers offering practical training and easy access to farm data by farmers. Yao and Tinio (2016) mentioned that local government units (LGU) themselves should initiate the programs through investment on infrastructure as well as training programs so that the marginalized will also be covered on this ICT-based extension services.

ICT integration in agricultural extension services hinges primarily on the role of Local Government Units (LGUs). Local authorities should better cooperate with central agencies in order to align their local activities with agricultural policies for a more uniform and effective implementation. Said they, they will use local stakeholders to participate in extension programs to come up with solutions in addressing the specific problems faced by farmers in Davao Oriental. Briones et al. (2023), Digital technology adoption in agri-food systems requires policymakers to collaborate with researchers and industry. Continuous feedback mechanisms need to be invoiced so that the efficacy of ICT-based extension services can be determined for effective corrective action at reach and impact levels.

Davao Oriental’s ICT-enabled agricultural extension requires comprehensive policies beyond PPP and equally strong LGU support. Digital innovation can be harnessed by the province to increase the productivity of its agriculture sector by addressing digital infrastructure challenges and enhancing digital literacy, and by designing programs for everyone. Rural community and agricultural extension services will grow due to continued ICT solution investments and capability building.

Strengthening ICT-Based Agricultural Extension through Critical Insights

The implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services has created new opportunities for information distribution and better decision-making for farmers. The impact of this change is evident in quantitative data which shows that Nigerian extension agents use ICT tools in their work at a rate of 72.3% (Okeke et al., 2021). The adoption rate of digital farming technologies has reached 38.95% according to research which demonstrates an increasing trend of ICT solution adoption in agriculture (Mwangi & Kariuki, 2015).

The study of Davao Oriental serves as a valuable case but ICT applications in other regions expand the discussion. The Plant Village initiative in Kenya uses AI tools to help farmers diagnose plant diseases instantly which results in better crop health and higher production (The Guardian, 2024). The Kisan platform in India provides mobile messaging services that deliver agricultural information in real-time to improve farmers’ access to essential data (Sharma, 2016). ICT solutions demonstrate their ability to scale and adapt for different agricultural settings through these examples.

The growing dependence on digital tools brings two main risks which are digital dependency and data privacy concerns. The growing use of technology by farmers could lead to an excessive dependence on it which might reduce their traditional knowledge systems. Privacy concerns are associated with the aggregation and storage of personal and farm data in the cloud as many countries have weak data protection laws (Aker et al. 2016). This is the challenge we should face by generating ethical codes and strong data protection policy that could protect farmers’ information.

It is necessary to improve the organization of ICT in agriculture conversations by removing redundancy and facilitating a coherent sequence of topics. Expressing it by a section of ICT gain and then a section of the case studies and a challenge sounds more organized. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of ICT’s varied roles in agricultural extension.

There is still a need to identify digital divides as unequal access to technologies amplifies inequalities between farmers. Adoption of ICT tools is influenced by three factors namely age, education and income levels. Older farmers and those who have had limited education can have barriers to using digital platforms aged and low levels of education barriers to use of digital platforms (Kante et al., 2021). Adaptation of extension services for different user requirements facilitates inclusive technology adoption avenues.

Local capacity is essential for ensuring successful application of ICT in agriculture. Better (Farmer and Extension Worker) Training Programs to Improve Digital Literacy Hap must learn to increase the bridge between innovation and use. Extension officers in Mali are also increasingly using ICT-based services, and this usage is thought to improve the dissemination of agricultural information (Kante et al. (2021). These types of high-fidelity interventions support stakeholders in making optimal use of digital technology.

The successful implementation of e-extension services is more reliant on policy makers. The increased penetration of rural broadband infrastructure including and the establishment of public-private partnerships are means to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of ICT solutions. Policy guidance must be provided to ensure the protection of farmers’ digital rights and affordable access to technology (Aker et al., 2016). These steps foster an environment conducive to sustainable digital integration in the agricultural sector.

There is a need for empirical evidence on the use of ICTs for agricultural extension and a consideration of inclusivity and ethics in that implementation. With the quantitative analysis of data and varied cases and risks and barriers, the agricultural dimension of ICT can be better grasped. Those that work out these considerations can harness technology to navigate sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.

Futures Thinking and Regenerative Development of Agricultural Extension

Futures thinking expertise is necessary in agricultural extension organizations to anticipate the future farming challenges and opportunities. Through the observation and the foresight analysis in extension programs, farmers adapt themselves to changes in the environment, market and technology. Proactive approach allows the agriculture to sustain even in those uncertain times (Oregon State University, n.d.). The Philippines is challenged in food security by climate variability and diminishing resources, extension services informed by futures thinking help farmers make decisions that increase their resilience and adaptability.

Agricultural regenerative development aims to enhance soil health while boosting biodiversity and preserving water resources. The conventional farming techniques which lead to natural resource deterioration stand in contrast to regenerative agriculture which both restores ecological balance and boosts farm productivity. The Oklahoma State University Extension (2024) highlights extension services as essential for teaching farmers how to use regenerative practices including agroforestry and cover cropping and composting. The implemented techniques enhance both short-term yields and create sustainable ecosystems through ecosystem rebuilding while minimizing dependence on chemical inputs.

Modern agricultural extension benefits from the complete framework which combines futures thinking with regenerative development. Extension programs can develop a resilient agricultural sector through their ability to predict upcoming risks while teaching sustainable environmental farming practices. The Food and Agriculture Organization (2024) states that digital innovations combined with regenerative agriculture practices will boost farming efficiency. Precision agriculture technologies which include remote sensing and AI-driven soil monitoring systems help optimize resource use for regenerative practices.

Extension programs need policy support together with collaboration to successfully implement futures thinking and regenerative agriculture. The successful implementation of sustainable farming requires governments and research institutions and private organizations to collaborate for educational program development and sustainable farming incentive creation and digital tool investment for farmer knowledge-sharing (Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 2022). The Philippine local governments need to actively participate in rural development programs to integrate these strategies so farmers at every level can benefit from sustainable agricultural innovations.

The implementation of futures thinking and regenerative development within agricultural extension services remains essential for sustainable farming development. The University of Southern Mindanao (n.d.) demonstrates that investments in foresight-driven policies and technologies will enhance food security and maintain long-term ecological balance. Agricultural extension can transform into a strong instrument for developing sustainable farming systems through its ability to provide farmers with tools for anticipating and solving upcoming challenges.

FINDINGS

The implementation of ICT in agricultural extension services has enhanced both knowledge sharing and farmer decision processes in worldwide agricultural settings. Mobile-based applications together with SMS advisory systems deliver immediate weather updates and pest control advice and market price information which mainly helps farmers located in distant areas (Dutta, 2023). The Philippines has implemented Rice Crop Manager and e-KADIWA platforms which help farmers optimize resource management to achieve higher productivity and improved market opportunities (AI Publications, 2024).

The implementation of ICT-based innovations has promoted peer-to-peer learning through social media groups and e-learning platforms and digital libraries. These platforms function as virtual communities which enable farmers to share their knowledge about crop management and pest control and climate adaptation techniques (FAO, 2024). The tools are becoming more popular in Davao Oriental because extension workers and local governments use them to establish digital learning hubs and online training modules that help address geographical barriers and support farmer education (ATI, 2023).

The research results demonstrate that ICT adoption in agricultural extension continues to face ongoing obstacles. Infrastructure

The main obstacles to ICT adoption include inadequate internet connectivity and insufficient devices and unstable electricity supply which affect mostly rural areas (Kante et al., 2024). The limited digital literacy skills of farmers together with extension workers prevent them from using digital tools effectively. The research conducted by Sugihono et al. (2024) demonstrates that digital competence among younger extension agents is rising yet many extension agents still need better ICT skills to achieve maximum knowledge transfer benefits.

Government agencies together with private organizations have played a crucial role in creating ICT-based extension services that are inclusive. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) together with local government units in Davao Oriental established digital infrastructure development and capacity-building programs which target smallholder farmers (ATI, 2023). The public-private partnerships between agri-tech firms and cooperatives have provided affordable mobile applications and training services and digital market connections (Llanto & Ortiz, 2022). The partnerships have expanded farmers’ access to advisory services while creating new opportunities for marketing and financing.

The review demonstrates that ICT extension has delivered both productivity growth and improved climate change and economic shock resistance. Farmers who use weather advisory applications together with precision agriculture tools including GPS and remote sensing technology have improved their planting schedule adjustments and resource management (Ngulube, 2025; PIDS, 2023). The transition promotes enduring sustainability together with food security. The expansion of these technologies needs both digital policies that include all groups and investments in infrastructure and localized tools that serve marginalized farming communities.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services has greatly improved farmers’ productivity and their decision-making capabilities. Mobile applications and SMS-based platforms deliver real-time weather forecasts and market prices and best farming practices to farmers who can then make quick decisions. The AI-powered application Plant Village in Kenya helps farmers identify crop diseases and pests which results in higher yields and decreased losses (The Guardian, 2024). The e-Choupal initiative in India provides farmers with current market and agricultural information which enhances their productivity and income levels (Wikipedia, 2024).

The adoption of ICT-based agricultural extension services faces ongoing difficulties despite recent technological progress. The adoption of these technologies remains limited because farmers and extension workers lack digital skills, and rural areas lack proper infrastructure and experience unstable internet connections. The study conducted in Nigeria showed that extension workers encountered two primary obstacles which were power outages and expensive ICT equipment (SAGE Open, 2023). The solution of these obstacles will enable all farmers to access ICT-based extension services regardless of their geographical position or economic status.

The full integration of ICT in agricultural extension remains elusive and will continue to demand sustained investment in digital infrastructure, along with training and policy support -ICT in Development. Strategic training programs can increase capacity in digital literacy– ensuring that farmers and extension workers are able to use digital tools successfully. The digital gap in agriculture should focus on two key measures – increasing the internet supply in rural areas and affordability of digital devices. ICT-based innovations will play a large role in advancing sustainable farming and improved quality of life for the farming communities once these challenges are overcome.

RECOMMENDATION

The Impact of ICT Based Agricultural Extension Service on Rural Farmer: An Experience from Botswana. Davao Oriental’s isolated farmers in the Philippines, like many others, have limited internet access and cannot afford devices, which means they cannot use digital tools to their maximum benefit (Kante et al., 2024). Government must prioritize rural broadband expansion while subsidizing mobile technology to smallholder farmers. The cash will provide farmers with real-time information about agriculture, market trends and climate advisories, paving the way for digital equality.

The main approach to enhance digital literacy among farmers and extension workers should be capacity building. The empowerment of users to use digital tools for agricultural decision-making can be achieved through programs that offer practical training on mobile apps and AI-based diagnostics and online learning platforms (Sugihono et al., 2024). The training programs should be incorporated into current extension systems and local governments should work with NGOs and academic institutions to provide digital education that is culturally appropriate and accessible in different languages for various literacy levels (Islam & Grönlund, 2024).

The development of policies must support both inclusive and ethical ICT integration in agricultural extension. The policies should contain data protection rules to safeguard farmers’ digital information privacy and security and user-friendly application development standards. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged because they help speed up innovation while expanding the reach of suitable digital tools (Llanto & Ortiz, 2022). The long-term sustainability and trustworthiness of ICT-based extension programs will be ensured through policy interventions which also strengthen agricultural resilience and food security

REFERENCES

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37. Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to corresponding author Venson B. Sarita, Davao Oriental State University, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Email: venson.sarita@dorsu.edu.ph