Utilization of mobile phone technologies for cassava production in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Exploring socio-economic drivers and barriers

Nigeria, a key agricultural nation in West Africa, faces persistent food insecurity due to limited access to improved farming practices, with cassava production playing a pivotal role in addressing hunger and supporting rural economies. In Ekiti State, mobile phone technologies offer a potentially impactful solution to enhance cassava production and food security, yet their utilization remains underexplored. This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and identifies factors influencing their use of mobile phone technologies to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Conducted across three agricultural zones (Aramoko, Ikere, and Isan), the study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 376 cassava farmers from nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires via the Open Data Kit (ODK) and focus group discussions (FGD) with a Multifunctional Rechargeable Device (MRD), a software app for data collection. Factor analysis, chi-square tests, and linear regression were applied to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were processed using Atlas. Ti. Four key factors emerged from factor analysis influencing mobile phone technology utilization: economic factors (27.267%), perceived benefits (20.517%), technology enablers (15.033%), and constraints (10.921%). Significant relationships were found between utilization and technology enablers, alongside socio-economic variables like education, farming experience, and farmland size. Qualitative data from FGDs revealed inadequate electricity and poor network coverage as major barriers to mobile phone technology utilization. The study underscores that the mobile technology adoption by cassava farmers is driven by economic factors and perceived benefits but hindered by infrastructural constraints. To improve utilization and boost productivity, it is recommended to invest in rural electricity and internet, design inclusive applications with local languages, and enhance farmers' access to affordable credit.