The objective of the study was to assess the perception and use of digital applications for soil fertility management and conservation strategies among small-scale crop farmers in southwest Nigeria. A total of 376 farmers were randomly selected across the six southwest states, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of farmers relied on non-scientific approaches, such as the appearance of weeds and the performance of crops in the previous season, to assess soil fertility. Only 1.1% and 0.3% of the farmers used soil tests and digital applications, respectively.
Most farmers improved soil fertility through bush fallowing and inorganic fertilizers. Despite 4.8% of farmers having digital applications on their phones, only 2.9% actually used them. A significant barrier to the adoption of digital applications was a lack of awareness and access to internet-enabled phones, cited by 56.4% of farmers. However, 97.3% of farmers expressed a willingness to embrace new farm decision digital applications if introduced. The study advocates for extensive services targeting older, less literate farmers and those not belonging to any farmers’ association to encourage the use of digital applications for soil fertility management and conservation practices.