No impact of repeated digital advisory service to Haitian peanut producers

Abstract

Abstract Digital farm advisory services can be a cost-effective way to provide relevant information to smallholders in developing countries. Information provision has been shown to generate positive impacts on agricultural practices and farmers’ income across various settings. We conducted a pre-registered randomized control trial among peanut farmers in Haiti to evaluate the impact of short text messages. We administered two waves of digital information provision and follow-up surveys. Results suggest no measurable impact of digital information delivery on agricultural knowledge, practice adoption, or productivity. We discuss internal and external validity of these findings and derive recommendations for future interventions.