Digital Agriculture Platform Helps Farmers in Nigeria Improve Crop Sales, Study Finds

Digital Agriculture Platform Helps Farmers in Nigeria Improve Crop Sales, Study Finds

A digital agricultural advisory platform in Nigeria has helped smallholder farmers improve the value of their crop sales, although a new study found no significant average increase in agricultural productivity among users.

Research published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on November 4, 2026, examined Crop2Cash, a Nigerian agricultural technology company that provides farming advice, market information and financial services through mobile phones.

The study covered farmers in Kaduna, Jigawa and Niger states, assessing how the platform influenced agricultural production, marketing and farmers' access to services.

According to the findings, farmers who used Crop2Cash recorded an average crop sales value of 161,520 naira, equivalent to approximately 106 US dollars, more than comparable farmers who did not use the platform.

The researchers attributed the difference mainly to improved marketing opportunities, including access to price information, post-harvest advice and connections to potential buyers.

Crop2Cash combines artificial intelligence-supported and human advisory services with input marketplaces, credit-scoring services and electronic wallet facilities accessible through basic mobile phones.

However, the study found no significant average effect on crop productivity or the adoption of 19 promoted sustainable agricultural practices.

It also found that actual use of the platform remained limited despite relatively high registration figures, with women particularly underrepresented among active users.

The findings highlight the importance of evaluating digital agricultural services beyond the number of farmers registered on a platform.

While technology can improve access to information, its contribution to agricultural development also depends on whether farmers can use the services effectively and translate the information into better production and marketing decisions.

The researchers said stronger market connections and efforts to address barriers limiting women's participation would be important in improving the impact of digital agricultural services.

The study provides evidence that digital agriculture can support farmers beyond the production stage by helping them identify markets, access price information and improve the value of their sales.