April 11, 2024, Ghana: The digital gender divide affects women’s access to and use of digital agricultural tools. In recent years, there has been significant growth in digital technologies aimed at farmers and farmer advisors. These technologies offer opportunities for growth and development by enhancing the reach of agricultural knowledge, services and support. However, as with agricultural advisory services, the benefits of digital technologies do not always reach women farmers.
PlantwisePlus recently conducted a study on gender and digital advisory services in Ghana. The aim was to understand the opportunities for bridging the digital gender divide experienced by farmers and agricultural service providers.
The study titled ‘Evaluation of Gender and Digital Advisory Tools in Ghana’ was conducted through a series of interviews and focus groups and took place in the Bono and Ashanti regions of Ghana. It revealed a significant gender gap in accessing and using PlantwisePlus and other digital tools. Gender disparities are particularly pronounced at the community level, with the study highlighting the many barriers women face in agriculture.
Digital divide: Obstacles faced by women farmers and farmer advisors
Digital illiteracy
Panelists pointed out that many women in Ghana cannot read or write due to lack of formal education. As a result, they need help to easily use a phone and often rely on others for basic functions such as making calls.
Therefore, although digital tools have the potential to improve farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, low digital literacy prevents women from accessing vital information.
“The thing is, we’re illiterate, so even if they send us a message, we won’t see it.” Focus group discussion, Ejisu-Asosuanso – Young Female, November 2023
Cultural and social constraints
Social norms are another barrier women face when using and benefiting from digital technologies. Cultural conventions and ideas, such as women not listening to the radio, prevent them from receiving useful information.
In addition, women are more likely to be busy with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and childcare. As a result, they have limited time to learn how to use digital tools or receive counseling information.
“Busy schedules are the barriers that prevent me from using digital consulting tools to help myself. Please, I don’t have time to listen to the radio or watch TV. “Focus Group Discussion, Ejura – Young Female, November 2023
Relevance of language and content
The study showed that language is a major barrier for Ghanaian women to engage in digital consulting services. English is difficult to understand when spoken and written, making it difficult to follow directions, send messages or receive information.
“I don’t understand the English language, so sometimes it becomes difficult to understand when using these digital tools.” Focus group discussion, Dormaa West, Gyaase – Female Adult, December 2023
Infrastructure challenges
Poor network coverage is a major issue in many parts of Ghana, preventing information and advice from being sent and received.
“The network service is very poor and makes it difficult to send pictures of the farm and other kinds of messages to the farm worker.” Focus Group Discussion, Dormaa West, Gyaase – Female Adult, 5 December 2023
Financial exclusion
Focus groups in Ghana highlighted how money is often a barrier to accessing and using technology. Women can’t afford to buy phones or pay for related expenses like data. Finances also influence their communication preferences, with many preferring texts over calls.
“Sometimes when you call, you may not get through to the person. But if you send it, it will be faster than using the phone calls. So, smartphones are good and if you don’t have money to buy, then you have problems.” Focus group discussion, Sunyani East, Nkrankrom – Young Female, 4 December 2023
Recommendations for addressing the digital divide
The study suggests several recommendations to address the digital gender divide in Ghana:
1. Gender Responsive Applications: Creating apps that work offline and address the specific needs of both men and women can improve access to gender-responsive extension and counseling services.
2. Capacity Building and Training: Provide training and capacity building for agricultural extension agents (AEA) and agricultural input marketers at district level. Focusing on women can help bridge the gender gap and empower women farmers to manage their farms independently.
3. Women-led Information Networks: Leveraging women-led platforms to connect farmers with extension and advisory services can enhance outreach at the community level. Collaboration with digital agri-innovation hubs further expands the reach of women in rural communities.
4. Economic support: Offering financial assistance and training support to female farmers through Village Savings and Loans programs can facilitate the acquisition of smartphones and internet data, fostering greater access and use of digital tools.
The study highlights the importance of addressing the digital gender divide in Ghanaian agriculture. There is a need for a gender-sensitive approach to the design and implementation of digital tools. Addressing smartphone limitations, promoting digital literacy and tailoring apps to the specific needs of both male and female farmers are critical steps to bridging the existing gender gap in access and use of these technologies .
Addressing the gender gap is important because men and women have equal rights to participate in and benefit from development interventions. By implementing the recommended strategies, stakeholders can work towards a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape, leveraging digital tools for the benefit of all, regardless of gender.
Also read: ADAMA launches new broad-spectrum multi-crop fungicide Maxentis®
(For latest agriculture news and updates follow Krishak Jagat at Google news)