The Use of Social Media by Agricultural Extension Officers in Sub-Saharan Africa for Information Dissemination: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Social media platforms play an important role as communication tools in agricultural extension, simplifying information dissemination and engagement with farmers. Studies worldwide have examined how social media platforms are used in agriculture and why their use remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to review the literature on the use of social media by agricultural extension officers to disseminate information in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to achieve the study's objective. Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to search for the literature. The researcher used search terms related to agricultural extension, social media, information dissemination, and Sub-Saharan Africa to streamline information. The study included peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2026. After screening, only 30 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The study showed that the majority of extension officers use WhatsApp and Facebook frequently due to their accessibility and ease of use. These platforms support the dissemination of agricultural information from extension officers to farmers. Furthermore, the results indicated that social media platforms enhance communication and knowledge sharing. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, high data costs, and limited digital literacy hinder the effective use of social media platforms. To enhance the use of social media and its integration into day-to-day extension work, there is a need to improve connectivity and digital infrastructure and to continuously encourage learning participation.

Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. 13(2): 251-262