Green Agricultural Technology and Food Security: Implications for Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between green agricultural technology adoption and food security in Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in understanding how sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to alleviating food insecurity in developing countries. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 132 farmers across different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The study employed exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the factors influencing green technology adoption and their impact on food security. The results reveal a strong positive relationship between green agricultural technology adoption and food security levels (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). Adoption factors were found to have a significant positive effect on food security (β = 0.668, p = 0.012), underscoring the importance of addressing barriers to technology adoption. Interestingly, environmental factors showed a small negative effect on food security (β = -0.126, p = 0.039), suggesting potential short-term trade-offs between environmental sustainability and immediate food security needs. Four distinct factors influencing green agricultural technology adoption were identified: technology-specific aspects, environmental considerations, policy or institutional factors, and social or cultural aspects. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of sustainable agriculture adoption in Nigeria. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable agriculture in developing countries and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners. It highlights the potential of green agricultural technologies to enhance food security while also emphasizing the need for balanced approaches that consider both short-term food production needs and long-term environmental sustainability.