Digitalization of agriculture: How digital technology is transforming small-scale farming in Ghana

This paper examines how digital technology facilitated by digital platform (Esoko) in providing advisory services to farmers through mobile phones, and how Agroecom company obtain data digitally from farmers while engaging them in business affect their production. Mostly, small-scale farmers in cocoa growing areas receive services from platforms. This paper investigates how data is obtained from farmers and used and who benefits from it, the effect of digital technology on the autonomy and indigenous knowledge of farmers and how digital financial services affect small-scale production. Data was obtained by digital platform (Esoko) through the initiative of the state, they then use the data to provide weather and market information through remote extension services via mobile phone applications to farmers. It found that farmers benefited by using the information to adapt to weather changes and access the market respectively, however, data was obtained in a manner that did sought the consent and ensure the privacy of farmers, because data is used for other business purposes. Also, Agroecom company obtain data for research to ensure good yield of cocoa and to consolidate their businesses with farmers across the value chain through the provision of their products (inputs). I argue that digital platforms and other companies may benefit from data more than small-scale farmers. It also found that the use of digital technology by companies is likely to lead to dependency thus undermining farmers indigenous knowledge which may deny them of some autonomy, however, farmers are trying a create a balance employing both knowledge systems. Also, it found that Digital Financial Services (DFS) has promoted access to some financial tools among farmers and enhanced marketing within the value chain. Moreover, younger and educated farmers are able to access digital technology more than older and uneducated ones. It found that extension agents, farmer associations and the electronic media are also an important source of information to farmers and must not be underestimated. The study identified some obstacles confronted by farmers in accessing digital technology, they included, low technical ability among farmers, high cost of call credit, low digital infrastructure, and internet connectivity.