Closing the gender digital gap: impacts of digital extension solutions on agricultural productivity and commercialization in Kenya

Digital extension solutions (DES) are transformative tools in agriculture, particularly for farmers with limited access to conventional extension services. These platforms offer tailored information on agricultural technologies and market opportunities, potentially narrowing the gender-based productivity gaps. However, the digital divide often limits women’s full engagement, leading to uneven outcomes. This study assessed the impact of DES on agricultural productivity and commercialization in Kenya using data from 541 households. Probit and zero-truncated Poisson models were used to analyze the determinants of DES adoption and utilization intensity, while a treatment effect framework evaluated the impact of DES on potato productivity and commercialization. Results indicate that male farmers had higher DES adoption and utilization rates. Men were more aware of DES, had greater access to smartphones, and were more active on social media. They primarily used DES for marketing, disease management, and weather updates, while women used it to access information on field management practices. Barriers such as digital illiteracy, limited smartphone access, and poor internet connectivity were more common among women. Adoption and use were influenced by farmer characteristics, institutional support, technology-enabling factors, and location. While DES adoption improved productivity for both genders, its impact on commercialization was significant only for men. These findings highlight the need for gender-responsive digital policies to ensure equitable access and benefits.