Digital Literacy and Agricultural Extension in the Global South

The agriculture sector in the Global South is undergoing profound changes because of digital transformation. There are concerns these efforts will advantage global agribusiness while marginalizing smallholders and disrupting long-established labour patterns and social relations, especially for women and youth. Nonetheless, digital technology also promises to help these farming communities to maintain their independence and enhance their livelihoods. Agriculture extension and advisory services (EAS) can play a role by supporting efforts to promote digital self-determination for farmers and other agriculture workers. However, EAS organizations need to develop digital literacy strategies that will empower smallholders to make informed choices about new ICTs and how they will be integrated into work practices and community life. In this chapter, we introduce and explain how an interactionist view on digital literacy can contribute to this objective when combined with a capabilities-centric approach to human development. The final section of the chapter includes examples of how these elements have been applied in an ongoing action research study and technology stewardship training programme involving EAS practitioners in Trinidad and Sri Lanka.