A Participatory Model for an Enhanced Adoption of ICT Innovations by Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

Agriculture has been identified as the main source of livelihood for a large population in Africa, with over 80% of farmers being smallholder farmers. However, despite a large group of smallholder farmers being involved in food production, the outcomes show that there is still food-deficit in low-and middle-income countries; which forms greater part of African continent. Nonetheless, sustainable food production in these countries, is only achievable through economic growth and development strategies where agriculture is given a key consideration. One of the notable strategy, is the leveraging of information and communication technology (ICT) innovation in agriculture services to support smallholder farmers in addressing their challenges, increase incomes and production. While ICT has long been acknowledged as a main driving force for sustainable development, the availability of innovations and use remain a challenge for smallholder farmers. The study, sought to investigate and determine the factors that can accelerate adoption of ICT innovations by small by smallholder farmers. To achieve this, the study set four specific objectives, viz: to identify factors that influence smallholder farmers’ decision on ICT innovations adoption in Agriculture; to examine how the factors are perceived by smallholder farmers on adoption of ICT innovations; to determine the core mechanisms/approaches for adoption of innovations by smallholder farmers and hence to develop and a model for an enhanced adoption of ICT innovations in agriculture. The study used mixed methodology, comprising of qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data from three counties; Siaya, Uasin Gishu and Kakamega in Kenya. The counties were purposively selected based on geographical locale, and economic endowment. A pilot study was conducted to validate the research instruments. The study applied both descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data using SPSS v.25. An exploratory factor analysis was used to extract key factors, which were then confirmed through the use of confirmatory factor analysis using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS_SEM); SmartPLS3. Qualitative data were analysed and presented using manual thematic analysis and confirmation of the results made. Finding indicates that economic factor has the strongest effect on the use of ICT on agriculture and participation (0.412) and (0.361) respectively, followed by social influence (0.199) and Technology factors (0.135). On the model fit, the variable explains about 84% of variance in use of ICT on agricultural, hence adoption of innovations. This was further confirmed by qualitative study. The research has made theoretical contribution in two dimension; incremental and revelatory; new constructs and development of a new model for ICT innovations adoption that employs participatory approach. Additionally, methodological contributions were also made by using mixed research method to appreciate a multidimensional perspectives. Recommendation to stakeholders: use participatory approach, farmers should works in groups to enhance knowledge uptake.