Digital tools for rural agriculture extension: Impacts of mobile-based advisories on agricultural practices in Southern India

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a digital extension program in cashew-growing communities in Andhra Pradesh, India, which provided agricultural information using a combination of in-person video, SMS, and interactive voice recording messages. The study finds that the use of mobile channels significantly improved farmers’ recall, knowledge, and adoption of new techniques relative to farmers who only received videos. We do not find positive effects on farmer production or yield. We conclude that in our context, mobile-based services are a promising supplement that can improve farmer outcomes and boost the reach and inclusivity of agriculture extension.