Determinants of the use of Uganda’s e-diary application in agricultural extension monitoring and supervision

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly recognized for improving service delivery, yet their role in monitoring and supervising agricultural extension services remains underexplored. This study examined the determinants of the use of the E-dairy ICT application, introduced in Uganda in 2019 to strengthen monitoring and supervision within the public agricultural extension system. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design involving 246 randomly selected extension workers. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in R and thematic content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results revealed low overall usage (22%), particularly among frontline extension workers. Technical capacity was the strongest determinant of use (β = 0.562), followed by attitudes (β = 0.309) and motivation (β = 0.242), while social influence negatively affected use (β = −0.178). The findings suggest the need for continuous technical training, decentralized support systems, and institutional facilitation to enhance ICT uptake. The study concludes that effective digital extension systems require not only technological investment but also strengthened human and organizational capacity to support sustainable agricultural service delivery.