Agricultural extension messages using video on portable devices increase knowledge about seed selection and seed torage and handling among smallholder potato farmers in Southwestern Uganda

To feed a growing population, agricultural productivity needs to increase dramatically. Agricultural extension information, with its public non-rival nature, is generally undersupplied and public provision remains challenging. In this research, we explore the effectiveness of alternative modes of agricultural extension information delivery. We test if simple agricultural extension video messages delivered through Android tables increase knowledge of recommended practices in seed selection and seed storage & handling among a sample of potato farmers in southwestern Uganda. Using a field experiment with ex-ante matching in a factorial design, we nd that showing agricultural extension videos significantly affects farmers' knowledge. However, our results suggest impact pathways that go beyond simply replicating what was shown in the video. Video messages may also trigger a process of abstraction, where farmers apply insights gained in one context in a different context. Or, video messages may activate knowledge farmers already posses but, for some reason, do not use.status: publishe