The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture through Extension Services in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Mudashir Adeola Olaitan¹, Beatrice Itoya Oyediji², Joseph Bamidele³, Oluwamayowa Joseph Joel⁴, Theophilus Raymond¹, Ayoola Faith Joel⁴ and Samson Olayemi Sennuga¹*

¹Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
²Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
³Faculty of Business and Law, University of Northampton, United Kingdom.
⁴Communication for Development Centre, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author: Samson Olayemi Sennuga, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.64258/3068-5532.2025.101004

Submission Date: May 3, 2025

Published Date: May 14, 2025

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Abstract

This study examined the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture through extension services by analyzing the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, their perceptions of AI in mitigating climate change, factors influencing AI adoption, and challenges hindering AI deployment in Kaduna State. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 200 smallholder farmers were selected. Findings revealed that 70% of the farmers were male, with a mean age of 43 years. Most farmers operated small-scale farms (mean size = 2.3 hectares), with only 42.5% having access to extension services and 70% lacking access to credit. Farmers’ perceptions of AI in mitigating climate change were mostly positive, with climate forecasting (3.20), pest and disease detection (3.28), and early warning systems (3.33) being the most valued applications. Concerns were expressed regarding the AI’s complexity (2.40). Logit regression analysis identified education (p = 0.000) and cooperative membership (p = 0.001) as highly significant (1%) predictors of AI adoption. Gender (p = 0.044), farming experience (p = 0.007), and extension contact (p = 0.019) were significant at the 5% level, while age (p = 0.072), farm size (p = 0.077), and credit access (p = 0.073) were significant at 10%. Kendall’s W (0.732, p = 0.000) showed strong agreement among farmers regarding AI adoption challenges, with high cost (mean rank = 6.13) and limited internet access (6.00) being the most pressing barriers. Addressing these challenges through financial support and improved infrastructure could enhance AI adoption and strengthen CSA implementation in Kaduna State.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence; Climate-Smart Agriculture; AI Adoption; Extension services

Citation

Mudashir AO, Beatrice IO, Joseph B, Oluwamayowa JJ, Theophilus R, Ayoola FJ, Samson OS (2025) The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture through Extension Services in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Curr Tren Agron & Agric Res 1(1): 1-15.