Technology Adoption and Agricultural Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Nigerian Case Study

This study examines the impact of technology adoption on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using Ukum rural community, Benue State, Nigeria, as case study site which significantly represents other Nigerian-SSA farming communities, the study tracks the impact of farmers’ adoption or non-adoption of improved technology on food security vis-à-vis factors shaping their choices. It aims to make the case that adoption boosts productivity and improves food security among others. Fifty farmer-participants were randomly selected using participant observation, structured interviews, questionnaires and photographing for data collection. Applying descriptive statistics including frequencies, tables, charts and percentages, field data were analyzed. Study findings strongly suggest that the main factors significantly affecting adoption of technology include cultural values, institutionalized land tenures, cropland size, poverty, literacy level, technology complexity, agricultural extension services, age and sex. Results suggest significant correlation between literacy level, economic power and technology adoption: younger, more educated farmers with higher economic status tend to adopt new technologies; farmers with access to agricultural extension services and credit facilities were more inclined to adopting new technologies; women were found more disadvantaged in the male-centered, exclusionary land tenure practice. Consequently, the study recommends sustained public sector interventions aiming to reduce food insecurity in the region.