Women farmers are essential to agricultural production and food security in Nigeria; however, they encounter significant obstacles in obtaining timely and reliable agricultural information due to insufficient extension services, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited technological literacy. Satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) technologies offer opportunities to provide location-specific, climate-smart agricultural information that can boost farm productivity and resilience. This study evaluated the potential of incorporating satellite technology into agricultural information systems to enhance women’s access to agricultural advisory services in Plateau State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was utilized, involving 300 women farmers selected through a multistage sampling method in the Jos East Local Government Area. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire, and a simulated dataset based on pilot observations and published literature was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that radio, extension officers, and mobile phones are the main sources of agricultural information, while awareness and use of satellite-derived information were notably low. Major barriers to adoption included poor internet connectivity, insufficient digital literacy, high communication costs, and limited awareness of satellite applications. Respondents indicated a strong demand for localized weather forecasts, pest and disease monitoring, and market information delivered via SMS, voice messaging, and community-based extension platforms. The study concludes that the integration of satellite-derived information into gender-responsive agricultural information systems can enhance farm decision-making, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience among women farmers. Strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and integrating Earth Observation technologies into agricultural extension programmes are recommended to support inclusive digital agriculture and sustainable rural development in Nigeria.
Keywords: Earth Observation, Nigeria, Plateau State, agricultural information systems, climate-smart agriculture, digital agriculture, satellite remote sensing, women farmers
