Gender concerns in the application of digital tools for empowering women farmers: An empirical analysis

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly transforming agricultural extension, market access, and service delivery systems. However, the effective utilization of digital tools by rural women farmers remains constrained by multiple gender-specific barriers. The present study examined the ranking of gender concerns in digital tool usage among women farmers in Nalgonda district of Telangana. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, and data were collected from 240 rural women farmers using a structured interview schedule. The identified constraints were prioritized using the Garrett Ranking Technique to determine their relative severity. The results revealed that limited digital literacy and skills emerged as the most severe concern (76.5), followed by lack of ownership of mobile phones/smartphones (71.2) and high cost of digital devices and internet services (68.4). Language barriers (64.8), time constraints due to household and farm workload (61.7) and limited access to digital training (58.2) were also significant factors. Poor network connectivity, socio-cultural restrictions, lack of women-centric digital design and limited family support were comparatively less severe but continue to influence digital participation. The findings indicate that gender-based digital exclusion is primarily driven by capability gaps, limited access to technology, affordability challenges, and institutional inadequacies. Strengthening digital literacy, ensuring women’s independent access to affordable devices, promoting localized and user-friendly content, and enhancing extension support mechanisms are essential to bridge the gender digital divide. Addressing these concerns is crucial for empowering women farmers and promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.