INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ADOPTION AND USE WITHIN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Beatrice Akoth Owino

Abstract


This study aimed to review the literature on the adoption and usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural sector, specifically in developing countries. The use of ICTs in agriculture can assist in achieving development goals and promote food security. While previous studies have shown the potential benefits of ICTs in the agricultural sector, there are still gaps in understanding their applications, innovations, and appropriate theoretical frameworks for guiding their adoption. This review aims to address these gaps and answer two research questions: (1) What is the status of literature on ICT adoption and usage in the agricultural sector in developing countries? (2) What are the main research trends in literature on ICT adoption in the agricultural sector in developing countries? This study provides valuable insights into the role of ICTs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The paper is organized into sections on introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and future work. This study is a systematic review of the use and adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the agricultural industry in developing countries. The review analyzed 16 relevant papers from 2012 to 2022, and found that mobile phones and related services were the most commonly used ICTs in the agricultural sector in developing nations. However, poor policy environments, lack of capability, and insufficient technological infrastructure hindered the adoption and usage of ICTs. The study suggested the need for empowering and educating farmers, creating supportive corporate and policy environments, and conducting more research in this area. Future studies could focus on ICT policies in the agricultural sector and the role of governments in enforcing standards and policies to improve agriculture in developing countries.

Key Words: Information and Communication Technologies, Agricultural Sector

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References


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