Technology Adoption and Agricultural Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Nigerian Case Study

Abstract

This study examines the impact of technology adoption on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using Ukum rural community, Benue State, Nigeria, as case study site which significantly represents other Nigerian-SSA farming communities, the study tracks the impact of farmers' adoption or non-adoption of improved technology on food security vis-à-vis factors shaping their choices. It aims to make the case that adoption boosts productivity and improves food security among others. Fifty farmer-participants were randomly selected using participant observation, structured interviews, questionnaires and photographing for data collection. Applying descriptive statistics including frequencies, tables, charts and percentages, field data were analyzed. Study findings strongly suggest that the main factors significantly affecting adoption of technology include cultural values, institutionalized land tenures, cropland size, poverty, literacy level, technology complexity, agricultural extension services, age and sex. Results suggest significant correlation between literacy level, economic power and technology adoption:younger, more educated farmers with higher economic status tend to adopt new technologies; farmers with access to agricultural extension services and credit facilities were more inclined to adopting new technologies; women were found more disadvantaged in the male-centered, exclusionary land tenure practice. Consequently, the study recommends sustained public sector interventions aiming to reduce food insecurity in the region.

Seasonality and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture in Kenya: Evidence from Mixed-Methods Research in Rural Lake Naivasha Basin

“…The poorest and food-insecure households have little opportunities to invest in this direction and deserve specific pro-poor farm capital allocation especially on a seasonal basis as well as agricultural extension services, institutions, and regulations to guarantee a supportive environment for technology adoption and productivity improvement. However, the literature suggests that improved technology may increase rather than reduce the extent of income seasonality [42]. Therefore, the effects of this process should be monitored carefully and, in case of negative implications on households' food and nutritional status, combined with appropriate consumption smoothing mechanisms [43].…”

What Influences Farmer’s Adoption Lag for Soil and Water Conservation Practices? Evidence from Sio-Malaba Malakisi River Basin of Kenya and Uganda Borders

“…There is limited empirical evidence on determinants of adoption lag (time between exposure to/awareness of a technology and its adoption) of SWCPs and its influencing factors. Even though many studies have been conducted on adoption, adoption intensity, and the influencing factors for SWCPs adoption [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29], little is known about the specific extent to which farming households delay using the recommended SWCPs. Factors that influence how long the farmers take between exposure to SWCPs and adoption are also not clear.…”