Integrating Remote Sensing Data into Agricultural Extension Services in Katsina State

Agricultural extension services in northern Nigeria operate under considerable data limitations, restricting advisors' ability to provide timely, location-specific guidance to smallholder farmers. This study examines the integration of remote sensing data products into agricultural extension services in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. Sentinel-2 derived crop health indices, MODIS vegetation phenology products, and rainfall anomaly data from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation archive are compiled and tested as decision support inputs for extension agents. A participatory design process involving Katsina State Agricultural Development Programme extension staff, GIS officers, and lead farmers from six LGAs is used to identify information needs, appropriate data products, and suitable delivery formats. Prototype dashboards presenting remote sensing indicators in simplified, actionable visual formats are developed and piloted with twelve extension agents over one cropping season. Structured evaluations capture agents' self-assessed confidence in using spatial data for crop advisory decisions before and after the pilot. Results indicate significant improvements in agents' ability to identify drought stress zones, pest outbreak corridors, and poorly performing input distribution points using the spatial dashboard tools. The study provides a replicable operational model for embedding satellite-based monitoring into the work of state ADPs across the North West zone. Keywords: remote sensing, agricultural extension, Katsina State, crop monitoring, decision support.