Digital Agricultural Extension Services and Household Nutrition Security: The Mediating Role of Agricultural Productivity among Smallholder Farming Households in Southeast Nigeria
Jane A. Ibeaja *
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Helen Anyanwu
Department of Home Economics and Hospitality Management Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Nigeria.
Chiamaka Ujunwa Ukwujiagu
Department of Home Economics and Hospitality Management Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Nigeria.
Chibueze Uzoma Chibundu
Department of Agricultural Economics, Rockville Montessori New Layout School, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examined the influence of digital agricultural extension services on household nutrition security through the mediating role of agricultural productivity among smallholder farming households in Southeast Nigeria. A cross-sectional explanatory survey was conducted among 414 household heads selected through a multistage sampling procedure across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.889 to 0.912, and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS 4. Digital agricultural extension services had a significant positive effect on agricultural productivity (β = 0.612, p < 0.001) and household nutrition security (β = 0.241, p < 0.001). Agricultural productivity also had a significant positive effect on household nutrition security (β = 0.487, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of digital agricultural extension services on household nutrition security through agricultural productivity was positive and statistically significant (β = 0.298, t = 8.417, p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 0.229–0.367), indicating partial mediation. These findings suggest that digital extension services may strengthen household nutrition security both directly and through improved farm productivity. The study therefore underscores the importance of reliable digital advisory platforms, rural connectivity, farmer digital literacy, and productivity-enhancing support within nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies for smallholder households in Southeast Nigeria
Keywords: Agricultural productivity, digital agricultural extension services, household nutrition security, smallholder farming households