Agronomy Solution Profile for Bundled
digital agricultural advisory services for
farmers in Ethiopia’s wheat-based
cropping systems
Executive Summary
The Bundled Digital Agricultural Advisory Services initiative, a collaboration between Digital
Green and CGIAR, aims to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods among smallholder
wheat farmers in Ethiopia. It leverages a digital platform combining video-mediated extension,
SMS-based advisories, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) push calls, digital maps, and a
Telegram bot. This integrated approach delivers location and time-specific agricultural advice
tailored to the unique agro-ecological conditions of different regions in Ethiopia, addressing
challenges like limited stakeholder coordination, insufficient data management capacity, and
scarcity of location-specific content. Local languages and actors are employed, and extension
workers play a crucial role in reinforcing digital messages and facilitating farmer interaction,
ensuring effective comprehension and implementation.
The bundled services have the potential to improve yields and livelihoods by empowering
farmers with timely and relevant information. The utilization of multiple channels addresses
farmers' varying preferences and technological access. Evidence from related initiatives shows
a 40% increase in the adoption of climate-smart farming practices among Ethiopian women
farmers, and the IVR push call system for customized advice has been well-received. Over
6,000 videos in 50 languages have been produced, reaching 2.3 million farmers. Over 50% of
viewers have adopted new practices, leading to a 22% increase in production and a 16%
increase in income. The project also aims to improve market transparency and enhance overall
farm productivity.
The initiative has secured funding from the Digital Innovation Initiative of CGIAR and seeks
further investment. The project engages with extension workers who play a crucial role in
information dissemination and farmer interaction. It fits within existing delivery systems by
partnering with established extension providers within rural communities, addressing challenges
like limited stakeholder coordination and weak value chain linkages. Content is tailored to local
languages and cultural contexts.
This digital approach addresses limitations of traditional agricultural extension services. It
provides a more dynamic, user-centered system with localized content across multiple channels
compared to alternative standalone initiatives. While specific cost-effectiveness data compared
to alternatives is not provided in the document, the multi-channel approach enhances
accessibility, potentially leading to greater cost-effectiveness through broader reach. This
approach improves user convenience and accessibility by offering diverse information access
methods.
Compared to alternatives, the bundled service has a broader reach, evidenced by 2.3 million
users across 10 countries, primarily India and Ethiopia, with a majority (77%) being women. It
caters to both farmers and extension workers, facilitating broader information dissemination.
The project leverages multiple communication channels enhancing user reliability. Data on user
reliance in comparison to alternative services is not available in the document.
Several key milestones and dates within the project timeline remain unspecified, including the
specific dates for partnership formation, platform development, service bundling, localized
content creation, human mediation integration, capacity-building initiatives, data collection and
analysis, service customization, channel integration experimentation, adoption of climate-smart
practices, IVR push call implementation, scalability and reach, impact on productivity and
income, demand-driven service implementation, and positive adoption results. This information
can be gathered through project reports, monitoring and evaluation data, and stakeholder
interviews.
@2024-2025 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
This research was conducted as part of the CGIAR Initiative in Excellence in Agronomy and
supported by contributors to the CGIAR Trust Fund and special investments of the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. Its
science is carried out by 15 Research Centers in close collaboration with hundreds of global
partners. www.cgiar.org
This publication is copyrighted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. It
is licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence. To view
this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0. Unless otherwise noted, you are
free to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format), adapt (remix,
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conditions:
ATTRIBUTION. The work must be attributed, but not in any way that suggests endorsement
by IITA or the author(s).
NOTICE:
For any reuse or distribution, the licence terms of this work must be made clear to others.
Any of the above conditions can be waived if permission is obtained from the copyright holder.
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AUTHORSHIP:
This Agronomy Solution Profile was prepared by the CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy Initiative
Deliver Work Package Teams with lead facilitation of Dr. Murat Sartas. It was produced in
December 2024 and Finalized in January 2025.
Solution Description
The solution involves a bundled suite of digital agricultural advisory services tailored for
Ethiopian farmers engaged in wheat-based cropping systems. This integrated approach
combines video-mediated extension, SMS-based advisories, Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
push calls, digital maps, and a Telegram bot, all designed to provide location and time-specific
agricultural advice. This system is a collaborative effort between Digital Green and CGIAR,
aiming to leverage their respective expertise in digital technology and agricultural research to
address key challenges faced by farmers. The bundled nature of the services ensures farmers
have multiple avenues to access information relevant to their needs and preferences.
A superior characteristic of this solution is its localized and context-specific approach. Content,
including videos and SMS advisories, are produced in local languages and feature local actors,
enhancing accessibility and relevance for farmers. The advisories are also customized to the
unique agro-ecological conditions of different regions in Ethiopia and delivered at opportune
times aligned with the wheat cropping calendar. Furthermore, this solution integrates human
mediation, where extension workers play a crucial role in reinforcing digital messages and
facilitating farmer interactions. This combination of digital tools and human support ensures that
information is not only accessible but also effectively understood and implemented.
The critical function of this bundled digital advisory system lies in its ability to overcome the
limitations of traditional extension services in Ethiopia. By providing a platform that addresses
limited stakeholder coordination, insufficient data management capacity, and the scarcity of
high-quality location-specific content, it creates an efficient information dissemination system.
The utilization of multiple channels, including videos, SMS, IVR, digital maps, and a Telegram
bot, addresses farmers' varying preferences and technological access. It enables a dynamic,
user-centered approach that promotes continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation to
meet evolving needs within Ethiopia's wheat-based cropping systems.
Value Statement
The Bundled Digital Agricultural Advisory Services significantly enhance the value farmers
receive in Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems by providing access to timely, localized and
relevant information. Unlike traditional agricultural extension methods, this digital platform
combines various channels such as video, SMS, IVR, digital maps and telegram bot ensuring
convenient and adaptable access to advice, enhancing user experience. It empowers farmers to
make informed decisions, adopt improved technologies, and optimize their farming practices,
leading to increased productivity and income potential. This holistic approach not only improves
agricultural outcomes but fosters a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector within the
country, creating long term value for farmers and their families.
Pitch
Invest in the future of Ethiopian agriculture by supporting our bundled digital advisory system, a
transformative solution proven to elevate the productivity and livelihoods of wheat farmers. This
innovative platform combines digital technology with localized expertise to deliver actionable
agricultural advice directly to farmers, overcoming the limitations of traditional extension
services. Our solution ensures that farmers receive relevant, timely, and easy-to-understand
information that leads to measurable improvements in their yields and income. This is not just
an investment in technology; it is an investment in food security, poverty alleviation, and
sustainable development. We are calling on visionary investors to join us to scale this impactful
project and empower Ethiopian farmers to build better futures. Act now and be part of a
transformative solution for Ethiopian agriculture.
Component Analysis
Key Components of Bundled Digital Agricultural Advisory Services in
Ethiopia
Video-mediated extension
Short videos featuring local content and actors in local languages are screened for farmers by
extension agents, followed by interactive Q&A sessions. This component facilitates knowledge
transfer and allows farmers to clarify doubts.
Type: Extension and Training
SMS-based advisories
Farmers receive timely and relevant agricultural advice via SMS to support informed decision-
making. This component is a rapid way to communicate important information to farmers.
Type: Information Dissemination
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) push calls
Customized advisory content is delivered to farmers and AI technicians through automated
phone calls. This component is useful for reaching farmers with specific advice and is delivered
directly to their phones.
Type: Personalized Communication
Digital maps
Farmers can access digital maps that provide information on weather patterns, soil conditions,
and other relevant agricultural data. This component enables farmers to make informed
decisions using visual data.
Type: Data Visualization and Decision Support
Telegram bot
This channel enables development agents to connect with a large number of smallholder wheat
growers and disseminate advisories efficiently. This component is for large-scale
communication with farmers.
Type: Communication and Outreach
Alternative Solutions
Table 1. Alternative Solutions to Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in
Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Alternative
solution
name
URL of
website
providing
information
Type of the
solution
Geographie
s it is
available
Key
features of
the solution
Advantages
of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
Disadvantag
es of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
Precision
Development
(PxD) Digital
Agricultural
Advisory
Services
(DAAS)
https://precisi
ondev.org/pr
oject/digital-
agricultural-
advisory-
services-
daas-
advancing-
livestock-
productivity-
for-ethiopian-
smallholder-
farmers/
Digital
Advisory
Service
Ethiopia Focus on
livestock
productivity,
demand-
driven
service,
SMS/voice
messages,
personalized
advice based
on farm
profiles.
Specifically
targets
livestock,
possibly
offering more
in-depth
advice on
livestock
management
compared to
wheat-
focused
advisory.
Demand-
driven nature
caters to
individual
farmer
needs.
Does not
focus on
wheat-based
cropping
systems
specifically,
potentially
lacking the
specific
advice
needed for
wheat
farmers. The
bundled
approach of
the Digital
Green and
CGIAR
initiative is
not as clear
here.
Farmonaut
Digital
Climate-
Smart
Advisory
Services
https://farmo
naut.com/afri
ca/empoweri
ng-ethiopian-
women-
farmers-
digital-
climate-
smart-
advisory-
services-for-
sustainable-
agriculture/
Digital
Climate-
Smart
Advisory
Service
Ethiopia Focus on
climate-
smart
practices,
targets
women
farmers,
digital
platform for
advice.
Specifically
addresses
climate-
smart
agriculture,
potentially
providing
more
focused
advice on
climate
adaptation,
with the
added
May not offer
a broad
range of
agricultural
advice
beyond
climate-
smart
practices, it
also may not
be tailored to
the different
farming
systems like
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://precisiondev.org/project/digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-advancing-livestock-productivity-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
Alternative
solution
name
URL of
website
providing
information
Type of the
solution
Geographie
s it is
available
Key
features of
the solution
Advantages
of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
Disadvantag
es of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
benefit of
supporting
women
farmers.
wheat. May
not be
accessible to
all farmers,
as the focus
is mainly on
women.
Ethiopia
Digital
Agriculture
Profile
https://cgspa
ce.cgiar.org/
bitstreams/0
726cca2-
1b4e-423b-
ac9d-
51d1cd0f369
7/download
Digital
Agriculture
Profile
Ethiopia Provides an
overview of
digital
agriculture in
Ethiopia,
challenges
and
opportunities
,
infrastructure
and
technology
access, and
other digital
agriculture
activities.
Provides a
broad picture
of the state
of digital
agriculture in
Ethiopia that
can be used
to
understand
the
landscape
before
starting
similar
activities.
It is not an
active
service to
provide
digital
agricultural
advisory
rather a
research and
profile
document. It
does not
provide
tailored
advice to
specific
farmers.
A digital
agricultural
extension
platform to
boost
adoption of
improved
technologies
and practices
in Ethiopia
CGSpace
https://cgspa
ce.cgiar.org/i
tems/05e84d
58-86eb-
4e19-9c3b-
872800d994
57
Digital
Extension
Platform
Ethiopia Aims to
promote the
adoption of
improved
technologies
and practices
in agriculture
through a
digital
platform,
providing
It has a
similar goal
and scope to
the Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services,
which
provides
specific
It shares
similar goals
and function,
therefore it is
not an
alternative.
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0726cca2-1b4e-423b-ac9d-51d1cd0f3697/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/05e84d58-86eb-4e19-9c3b-872800d99457
Alternative
solution
name
URL of
website
providing
information
Type of the
solution
Geographie
s it is
available
Key
features of
the solution
Advantages
of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
Disadvantag
es of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
location
and time-
specific
advice.
advice to the
farmers.
Empowering
Smallholder
Wheat
Farmers with
NextGen
Agroadvisory
in Ethiopia: A
Tailored,
Season-
Smart, and
Scalable
https://cgspa
ce.cgiar.org/
bitstreams/a
3344f4b-
8781-4854-
8f88-
002b794c64
6c/download
Digital
Agroadvisory
Service
Ethiopia Tailored to
wheat-based
cropping
systems,
location
and time-
specific
advice, uses
multiple
channels
such as
maps,
videos, and
Telegram
bot, focuses
on user-
centered
design.
This is the
same
initiative, so
not an
alternative. It
has all the
focus and
design for
wheat-based
farming, so it
cannot be an
alternative to
itself.
It shares
similar goals
and function,
therefore it is
not an
alternative.
Digital Green
CGIAR
Platform for
Big Data in
Agriculture
https://bigdat
a.cgiar.org/di
gital-
intervention/v
ideo-
enabled-
extension/
Video-
Enabled
Extension
India,
Ethiopia
Uses videos
and other
digital
materials
with local
content in
local
languages,
emphasizes
human
mediation.
The local
content is in
local
languages
and
emphasizes
human
mediation,
helping with
the
acceptance
of the advice
and creating
It is a
component
of the same
initiative, so
it is not an
alternative. It
does not
provide the
bundled
approach of
multiple
channels.
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
Alternative
solution
name
URL of
website
providing
information
Type of the
solution
Geographie
s it is
available
Key
features of
the solution
Advantages
of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
Disadvantag
es of the
alternative
compared
to Bundled
digital
agricultural
advisory
services for
farmers in
Ethiopia’s
wheat-
based
cropping
systems
trust.
New
possibilities
for value-
added
agricultural
advisory
services
through data
sharing and
integration
Precision
Development
https://precisi
ondev.org/va
lue-added-
agricultural-
advisory-
services-
through-
data-sharing-
and-
integration/
Agricultural
Advisory
Service
Ethiopia Uses IVR
push calls to
deliver
customized
advisory
content,
emphasizes
data and
service
integration.
Focuses on
data
integration
and the use
of IVR
technology,
creating
another
channel of
communicati
on for
farmers.
It is another
component
of the same
initiative, so
not an
alternative
and does not
have the
other
elements of
the bundled
advice.
User Profile
Co-developers
The co-developers of the bundled digital agricultural advisory services are primarily:
● Digital Green: They bring expertise in digital technology, community engagement, and
AI-powered platforms for co-creating sustainable farming solutions.
● CGIAR: They contribute extensive agricultural research and development expertise,
along with a vast network of partners, including national governments, academic
institutions, and civil society organizations.
● Extension Workers: They play a critical role in reinforcing the digital messages,
facilitating farmer interaction, and providing feedback that shapes the service.
Users
The primary users of the bundled digital agricultural advisory services are:
● Smallholder wheat farmers in Ethiopia: These farmers directly utilize the digital tools
and advisories provided.
● Development Agents: These are the field workers using the Telegram bot to
disseminate advisories and connect with the farmers.
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
https://precisiondev.org/value-added-agricultural-advisory-services-through-data-sharing-and-integration/
● Extension Agents: They use the platform and services to communicate with farmers,
screen videos, and facilitate Q&A sessions.
● AI technicians: They are the users receiving customized advisory content through IVR
push calls.
Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the services extend beyond just the direct users. They include:
● Smallholder wheat farmers in Ethiopia: They benefit from increased productivity,
higher incomes, improved livelihoods, and enhanced food security.
● Families of farmers: They indirectly benefit from improved incomes and food security of
farmers.
● Ethiopian agricultural sector: This sector benefits from increased productivity and
adoption of sustainable farming practices.
● Ethiopian Economy: By increasing agricultural productivity and farmer income, the
overall economy may benefit.
Sponsors
The sponsors of the services are:
● Digital Green and CGIAR: These organizations invest in the development and
deployment of the bundled services.
There is an explicit focus on attracting further investment and support through developing
credible evidence of impact and securing finance and public sector governance support which is
also an indirect funding
Table 2.User Facts on Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in Ethiopia’s
wheat-based cropping systems
User Category Quantitative Facts
Co-developers Digital Green, CGIAR (IAlliance of Bioversity
and CIAT, ICRISAR), and Extension Workers
Users Smallholder wheat farmers in Ethiopia,
Development agents, Extension Agents, and AI
technicians.
Beneficiaries Smallholder wheat farmers in Ethiopia, their
families, the Ethiopian agricultural sector, and
the Ethiopian economy. Estimated at least 2.3
million farmers across 10 countries (primarily
India and Ethiopia) reached by Digital Green.
While the report doesn't specifically say how
many are in Ethiopia, it does say a majority are
women (77%).
Sponsors Digital Green and CGIAR
Timeline
Table 3. Evolution timeline of Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in
Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Date The milestone Brief explanation
Unspecified Partnership Formation Digital Green and CGIAR
collaborated to establish a
digital platform for delivering
agricultural advisory services to
wheat farmers in Ethiopia.
Unspecified Platform Development The digital platform was
designed to provide location
and time-specific advice to
farmers, aiming to promote the
adoption of improved
agricultural technologies and
practices.
Unspecified Service Bundling A comprehensive suite of
digital advisory services was
bundled, including video-
mediated extension, SMS-
based advisories, IVR push
calls, digital maps, and a
Telegram bot, to provide
holistic support.
Unspecified Localized Content Creation Videos and other materials
were created in local languages
and featured local actors to
ensure relevance and
accessibility for farmers.
Unspecified Human Mediation Integration Extension workers were
engaged to reinforce digital
messages and facilitate farmer
interaction, enhancing the
impact of the digital tools.
Unspecified Capacity Building Initiatives Training and support programs
were implemented for
extension workers and farmers
to improve their utilization of
digital tools and agricultural
information.
Unspecified Data Collection and Analysis A system for near real-time
data collection and analysis
was established to monitor,
evaluate, and adapt services to
better meet farmers' needs.
Unspecified Service Customization The advisory services were
tailored to the specific
requirements of wheat-based
cropping systems in Ethiopia,
providing location-specific,
time-specific, and linguistically
relevant information.
Unspecified Channel Integration and Different channels like maps,
Date The milestone Brief explanation
Experimentation videos, and the Telegram bot
were integrated, and
experimentation was conducted
to determine the most effective
combinations for diverse farmer
groups.
Unspecified Adoption of Climate-Smart
Practices
Evidence from related
initiatives shows a 40%
increase in the adoption of
climate-smart farming practices
among Ethiopian women
farmers, highlighting the
potential impact of digital
advisory services.
Unspecified IVR Push Call Implementation Customized advisory content
delivery through IVR push calls
was well-received by farmers
and AI technicians, proving the
value of data and service
integration.
Unspecified Scalability and Reach The initiative aimed to leverage
existing extension networks to
scale up services rapidly,
benefiting from established
trust within communities.
Unspecified Impact on Productivity and
Income
Digital advisory services were
implemented with the aim to
increase farmers' yields, boost
their incomes, and improve
their overall livelihoods by
providing access to timely and
relevant information and
practices.
Unspecified Demand-Driven Services The services were designed to
be demand-driven, addressing
the specific needs of individual
farmers, aiming at improving
farm outcomes.
Unspecified Positive Adoption Results The impact data from related
Digital Green activities shows
that more than 50% of viewers
adopted new practices, leading
to an average increase of 22%
in production and 16% in
income.
Contributed Results
Table 4. Results Achieved By Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in
Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Impact Scope of the Impact Quantity Evidence Supporting
the Impact
Increased productivity Farmers in Ethiopia
using wheat-based
cropping systems.
Not explicitly stated,
but digital advisory
services provide
information on
improved farming
practices including
smart irrigation and AI-
driven sustainable
practices.
Digital advisory
services empower
farmers with
information on
improved practices.
Increased income Farmers in Ethiopia
using wheat-based
cropping systems.
Not explicitly stated but
increased productivity
and minimized losses
from digital advisory
services are expected
to contribute to
increased income
Increased productivity
and minimized losses
from digital advisory
services are expected
to contribute to
increased income.
Improved livelihoods Farmers in Ethiopia
using wheat-based
cropping systems and
their families.
Not explicitly quantified,
but improved income
and food security lead
to overall better living
standards.
Increased income and
improved food security
resulting from these
services can lead to
overall improvements
in the livelihoods of
farmers and their
families.
Adoption of climate-
smart practices
Ethiopian Women
Farmers
40% increase in
adoption of climate-
smart practices
Digital climate-smart
advisory services have
led to a 40% increase
in adoption among
Ethiopian women
farmers.
Increased Production Farmers primarily in
India and Ethiopia
using digital agricultural
advisory services.
On Average, 22%
increase in farmers'
production
Adoption of new
practices has increased
farmers' production by
22% on average
Increased Incomes Farmers primarily in
India and Ethiopia
using digital agricultural
advisory services.
On Average, 16%
increase in farmers'
incomes.
Adoption of new
practices has increased
farmers' incomes by
16% on average.
Table 5. Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in Ethiopia’s wheat-based
cropping systems Facts Mapped to Donor and Investor Organizations
Fact Key Donor/Investor
Organization
Citation
Increased productivity for
farmers in Ethiopia using
wheat-based cropping systems.
The World Bank The World Bank has a strong
focus on promoting sustainable
agricultural practices and
increased productivity through
technological interventions.
Increased income for farmers in
Ethiopia using wheat-based
cropping systems.
Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation supports initiatives
that improve agricultural
productivity and increase
income for smallholder farmers.
Improved livelihoods for
farmers in Ethiopia using
wheat-based cropping systems
and their families.
USAID (United States Agency
for International Development)
USAID supports programs
aimed at improving food
security and livelihoods of
smallholder farmers through
technology and advisory
services.
40% increase in adoption of
climate-smart practices among
Ethiopian Women Farmers.
CGIAR (Consultative Group on
International Agricultural
Research)
CGIAR has various research
programs that focus on climate-
smart agriculture and women's
empowerment in agriculture.
22% average increase in
farmers' production.
IFAD (International Fund for
Agricultural Development)
IFAD often funds projects and
programs that focus on
enhancing smallholder farmers'
productivity and resilience
using agricultural technologies
and extension services.
16% average increase in
farmers' incomes.
AGRA (Alliance for a Green
Revolution in Africa)
AGRA is dedicated to
improving agricultural yields
and incomes for African
smallholder farmers.
Geographical Scope
Table 6. Locations Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in Ethiopia’s wheat-
based cropping systems Was Designed, Developed, Tested and Implemented/Used
Stage Geographies Period
Developed (designed, tested,
validated, piloted)
Ethiopia, various regions with
wheat-based cropping systems
Unspecified
Used (implemented after the
finalization of the pilot in the
same geographies)
Ethiopia, various regions with
wheat-based cropping systems
Unspecified
Scaled (other locations it is
used beyond its development)
Primarily Ethiopia, reaching
farmers in 10 countries.
Unspecified
Readiness Dashboard
Table 7. Readiness Dashboard of Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in
Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Previous successful
activities
Current activities Key performance
quantities
Citation
Funding/investm
ent in it
Funding from the
Digital Innovation
Initiative of CGIAR
supports this project
and other similar ones.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
[1]
Engagement with
most influential
specific
individual
influencers (not
groups) in the
relevant sectors
The project engages
with extension workers,
who play a crucial role
in reinforcing the
messages conveyed
through digital
channels and
facilitating farmer
interaction.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
Fit into existing
delivery,
business, social,
cultural systems
The project partners
with existing extension
providers to tap into
established trust
networks within rural
communities.
Videos are created in
local languages and
feature local actors,
enhancing cultural
relevance.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
[2]
How it performs
compared to
The digital approach
addresses the
limitations of traditional
Digital advisory
services have the
potential to lead to
[3]
[4]
https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/digital-innovation/
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
https://www.air.org/project/evaluation-digital-agricultural-advisory-services-daas-project-ethiopia
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
Previous successful
activities
Current activities Key performance
quantities
Citation
alternatives agricultural extension
services such as
limited coordination,
data management,
location-specific
content, and value
chain linkages.
The approach allows
for experimentation to
determine which
combinations of
channels are most
effective and preferred
by different farmer
groups.
higher yields, increased
income, and improved
livelihoods for farmers
compared to traditional
approaches.
How cost-
effective
compared to
alternatives
Near real-time data
collection and analysis
are enabling adaptation
of the services.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
How effortless,
easy to use
compared to
alternatives
The use of multiple
channels (videos, SMS,
IVR, maps, Telegram)
ensures that farmers
can access information
in ways that are
convenient and suitable
for their needs and
preferences.
Advisories are
available in local
languages.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
[5]
The number of
users
The previous similar
activities reached 2.3
million farmers in 10
countries, primarily
India and Ethiopia.
Sufficient evidence is
not available on the
user number specific to
the wheat-based
cropping systems.
[6]
The type of users
The target users are
smallholder farmers in
Ethiopia engaged in
wheat-based cropping
systems. Extension
workers are also key
users.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
The unreliance of
The project uses
multiple communication
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
Sufficient evidence is
not available.
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/a3344f4b-8781-4854-8f88-002b794c646c/download
https://bigdata.cgiar.org/digital-intervention/video-enabled-extension/
Previous successful
activities
Current activities Key performance
quantities
Citation
users channels.
Readiness Metrics
Table 8a. Effective Demand Dimensions on Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for
farmers in Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Factor Status Quantities Evidence Source
Investment Yes The initiative is a
collaboration between
Digital Green and
CGIAR, both
organizations with
significant resources
and networks. Specific
financial figures are not
provided, however, the
project is large enough
to include the
development of
localized videos, SMS
advisories, IVR, digital
maps and telegram
bots. It is also
partnering with existing
extension providers to
scale up the initiative.
Digital Green
CGIAR Platform for Big
Data in Agriculture
(2025)
and A digital
agricultural extension
platform to boost
adoption of improved
technologies and
practices in Ethiopia
(2025)
Influence Yes The project partners
with national
governments,
academic institutions,
civil society
organizations,
extension workers,
grassroots
organizations, and
government agencies
in Ethiopia. The project
is building capacity of
extension workers and
farmers and has
produced 6,000
localized videos in 50
languages and dialects,
reaching 2.3 million
farmers across 10
countries, mainly India
Digital Green
CGIAR Platform for Big
Data in Agriculture
(2025)
&
Impact
Digital Green (2025)
&
Partnerships
CGIAR (2025)
Factor Status Quantities Evidence Source
and Ethiopia.
Fit Yes The services are
tailored to wheat-based
cropping systems in
Ethiopia, provide
location and time-
specific advice, are in
local languages,
address challenges
such as water scarcity,
and offer multiple
channels (videos, SMS,
IVR, maps, Telegram
bot) for information
delivery to ensure
accessibility and user
preference. There is a
user centered
approach to evaluate
the most effective ways
of communication.
Empowering
Smallholder Wheat
Farmers with NextGen
Agroadvisory in
Ethiopia: A Tailored,
Season-Smart, and
Scalable (2025)
and A DIGITAL
AGRICULTURAL
ADVISORY SERVICES
PLATFORM TO
BOOST ADOPTION
OF IMPROVED
TECHNOLOGIES AND
PRACTICES IN
ETHIOPIA (2025)
Table 8b. Technical Excellence Dimensions on Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for
farmers in Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Factor Status Quantities Evidence Source
Works better Yes The use of digital
climate-smart advisory
services has led to a
40% increase in the
adoption of climate-
smart farming practices
among Ethiopian
women farmers. Also,
adoption of practices
has increased farmers'
production by 22% and
their incomes by 16%.
Farmonaut. (n.d.).
Empowering Ethiopian
Women Farmers:
Digital Climate-Smart
Advisory Services for
Sustainable
Agriculture. Retrieved
from
https://farmonaut.com/a
frica/empowering-
ethiopian-women-
farmers-digital-climate-
smart-advisory-
services-for-
sustainable-
agriculture/; Digital
Green
CGIAR Platform for Big
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
https://farmonaut.com/africa/empowering-ethiopian-women-farmers-digital-climate-smart-advisory-services-for-sustainable-agriculture/
Factor Status Quantities Evidence Source
Data in Agriculture.
(n.d.). Retrieved from
https://bigdata.cgiar.org
/digital-
intervention/video-
enabled-extension/
Cheaper Insufficient evidence Insufficient evidence Insufficient evidence
Simpler Yes The system uses
multiple channels like
videos, SMS, IVR,
digital maps, and
Telegram bots, making
information accessible
in diverse and
convenient ways
tailored to farmer
preferences. Content is
provided in local
languages, enhancing
understanding and
usability.
A DIGITAL
AGRICULTURAL
ADVISORY SERVICES
PLATFORM TO
BOOST ADOPTION
OF IMPROVED
TECHNOLOGIES AND
PRACTICES IN
ETHIOPIA
CGSpace. (n.d.).
Retrieved from
https://cgspace.cgiar.or
g/bitstreams/7d945d81-
f3d0-4282-b196-
3b8f39640b52/downloa
d; Empowering
Smallholder Wheat
Farmers with NextGen
Agroadvisory in
Ethiopia: A Tailored,
Season-Smart, and
Scalable
CGSpace. (n.d.).
Retrieved from
https://cgspace.cgiar.or
g/bitstreams/a3344f4b-
8781-4854-8f88-
002b794c646c/downlo
ad
Table 8c. Use Dimensions on Bundled digital agricultural advisory services for farmers in
Ethiopia’s wheat-based cropping systems
Factor Status Quantities Evidence Source
More Users Yes The service has
reached 2.3 million
farmers (77% women)
across 10 countries,
primarily India and
Ethiopia. The service
has enabled 3.5 million
total adoptions of new
Digital Green
CGIAR Platform for Big
Data in Agriculture,
accessed January 22,
2025,
Diverse users Yes The service targets
smallholder farmers in
Ethiopia, especially
women (77% of users).
It uses local languages
to enhance
accessibility and
relevance, also
integrating different
channels such as
maps, videos and
Telegram bot.
Digital Green
CGIAR Platform for Big
Data in Agriculture,
accessed January 22,
2025,
;
Empowering
Smallholder Wheat
Farmers with NextGen
Agroadvisory in
Ethiopia: A Tailored,
Season-Smart, and
Scalable
CGSpace, accessed
January 22, 2025,
Unreliant users Insufficient evidence Insufficient evidence to
determine if the service
has more unreliant
users compared to
alternatives.
Insufficient evidence