DIGITAL LIBRARIES AS A TOOL FOR ENHANCING FARMERS’ ACCESS TO RESEARCH INFORMATION SERVICES AT THE NATIONAL ROOT CROP RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE IRISH POTATO PRODUCTION IN PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Digital libraries tools are platforms for enhancing farmers’ access to agricultural research and

National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) information services in Nigeria. NRCRI plays a

vital role in developing and disseminating agricultural innovations via its digital platform and

research information services. This study explores how digital library tools can enhance farmers

‘access to NRCRI research information services to promote sustainable irish potatoes production

in Plateau State. Using a systematic literature review and content analysis, the study objectives

are to: identifies NRCRI research information services for sustainable irish potatoes production

as follows: agricultural extension and advisory services, training and capacity building services,

collaborative research and partnership, on-farm trials and field demonstration, demonstration

plots/farmers field school, seed system and inputs provision, digital and online, climate

information services. Identify digital libraries tools for enhancing farmers' access to NRCRI

research information services: mobile application (agricultural apps), web portals and online

resources, institutional repositories, social media for farmers network, interactive voice response,

and sensor technologies and Internet of Things. Highlights the benefits of digital library tools as:

knowledge sharing, enhancing knowledge dissemination, promoting collaboration, resource

management and an integrated digital library with emerging technologies. And also, identify the

challenges such as: digital divide, capacity building for farmers, users’ digital literacy, language

and content-related challenges, data privacy, and socioeconomic factors. The study concludes that

digital library tools are enablers for enhancing Irish potato farmers' access to NRCRI research

information services. Addressing the identified challenges is key to the adoption of digital library

tools, which enhance access to information services and contribute to sustainable productivity in

Irish potatoes as a food security measure in Plateau State.