Field days build momentum for scaling tailored fertilizer advice in Ethiopia

Site-specific fertilizer recommendations have considerable potential to improve nutrient-use efficiency, agricultural productivity, and sustainable nutrient management in Ethiopia. However, their successful adoption and scaling depend on effective agricultural extension services, access to digital technologies, and strong institutional coordination. This study summarizes key observations, stakeholder experiences, implementation challenges, and scaling priorities identified during field days conducted on 17 and 23 October 2026 in Doyogena, Lemo, and Basona Werana districts, Ethiopia. The events brought together farmers, researchers, extension agents, and government representatives to evaluate the implementation and scaling potential of Harmonized Digital Fertilizer and Agronomic Solutions (HaFAS). Through field demonstrations, stakeholder consultations, and farmer discussions, participants assessed the application of AgriMob, a digital advisory tool that provides plot-specific fertilizer recommendations integrated with improved agronomic management practices. Local agricultural officials reported that 706 farmers across ten kebeles in Doyogena and 700 farmers across seven kebeles in Basona Werana had implemented the recommendations. Field observations indicated promising crop growth and farmer interest in the technology; however, its effects on crop yield, nutrient-use efficiency, and profitability remain to be established through systematic harvest measurements and comparative analyses. Major implementation constraints included limited smartphone ownership, inadequate offline functionality, inconsistent fertilizer availability, and gaps in digital extension capacity. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strengthening extension training, improving field-level data quality, ensuring timely access to agricultural inputs, enhancing institutional collaboration, and promoting inclusive access to digital advisory services. Overall, the field days highlighted the potential of HaFAS to strengthen Ethiopia's agricultural extension system through evidence-based, site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Sustainable scaling will require coordinated institutional support, farmer-centered advisory delivery, and systematic monitoring and evaluation of agronomic, economic, and adoption outcomes.