Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Its Effect on Productivity and Profitability of Smallholder Maize Farmers in Oyo State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2025.1.2.0146Keywords:
ICT, Maize productivity, Profitability, Smallholder farmers, Digital agricultureAbstract
Agriculture plays a vital role in Nigeria's economy with maize being a major crop for food security and rural livelihoods. Small-scale maize farmers in Oyo State face persistent challenges that limit their productivity and sustainability. This study examines the effect of Information and Communication Technology adoption on the maize farmers’ productivity and profitability. Questionnaire was used for collecting data from 240 smallholder maize farmers across six Local Government Areas in Oyo State. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to account for selection bias and isolate the causal effects of ICT use. Results show that, ICT adopters are younger (39 years), more educated (10 years), have better access to extension services (100%) and huge income (₦455,000). Findings further show that ICT adoption increases maize yield by 720kg per ha (8.5 percent increase) and net profit of ₦16,800 per ha. It is recommended that farmers should upscale their production efficiently and better their livelihoods through the adoption of ICT tools. Public and private sectors should embark on invest in rural digital infrastructural development.
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