INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ON LONG-DISTANCE TRADING AMONG ENTREPRENEURS IN ANYIGBA COMMUNITY, DEKINA LGA, KOGI STATE

This study examined the influence of digital technology on long-distance trading among entrepreneurs in Anyigba community, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives: to determine the prevalence of long-distance trading, identify the types of digital technologies used, examine the patterns of digital technology usage, and identify the challenges entrepreneurs encounter in using digital technology for long-distance trading. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 171 entrepreneurs engaged in long-distance trading in Anyigba community, from which a sample of 120 respondents was drawn using the Taro Yamane formula and purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and an independent samples t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that long-distance trading is highly prevalent among entrepreneurs in Anyigba (grand mean = 4.63), who source goods extensively from cities such as Lagos, Onitsha, Aba and Kano. Entrepreneurs make extensive use of digital technologies, particularly mobile phones, fintech applications and WhatsApp (grand mean = 4.47), with usage patterns strongest in supplier communication and digital payments (grand mean = 4.36). However, entrepreneurs also face substantial challenges, most notably unstable power supply, network failures and poor internet connectivity (grand mean = 4.20). Hypothesis testing revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the prevalence of long-distance trading and the challenges entrepreneurs encounter (r = .631, p < .001), and no statistically significant difference in digital technology usage patterns between male and female entrepreneurs (t(118) = 1.284, p = .202). The study concluded that digital technology has become central to long-distance trading in Anyigba but that its full benefits remain constrained by infrastructural deficits, and recommended improved digital infrastructure, structured digital literacy training, and stronger consumer protection in digital financial transactions.