IMPACT OF ICTS USAGE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING STUDY IN NIGER STATE
Keywords:
Adaptation, Farmers, ICTs, Smallholders, Structural equation modelingAbstract
The study was conducted in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State between June and August 2021. The objective of this study was to find out the impact of ICTs on adaptation strategies of the smallholder farmers. The study used a multiple-stage random sampling technique to randomly select 240 respondents. The levels were determined using frequency and percentages of summated scores by categorization into high moderate and low using range. The impacts of ICTs on adaptation strategies were determined using structural equation modeling (IBM SPSS Amos 20). The study revealed high-level adaptation strategies (M=3.69) and a moderate level of ICTs (M=3.51). The study also revealed the impact of ICTs on adaptation strategies. The impact of radio (β= 0.355, CR = 4.145, P =.001), mobile (β=.322, CR= 4.111, P=.000), television, (β=.211, CR=3.717, P=.000) on adaptation strategies were positive and statistically significant. The study recommended planned interventions should be undertaken to bring those responsible for adaptation policy and planning (particularly National Adaptation Plans) together with ICT/telecommunications agencies for more effective planning and implementation.