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ICT and agricultural sector performance: empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Lukman O. Oyelami

    (University of Lagos and Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research)

  • Nurudeen Afolabi Sofoluwe

    (Olabisi Onabanjo University)

  • Omowumi Monisola Ajeigbe

    (Redeemer’s University Ede)

Abstract

ICT infrastructure is considered crucial to performance and overall development of many sectors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, there exists insufficient evidence on the effect of ICT on agriculture real output and export performance in the African continent. This study investigates the effect of ICT infrastructure on agriculture sector performances in SSA using panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. Panel data were collected over the period of twenty-three (23) years (1995–2017) in 39 SSA countries. Two models were specified using agricultural value addition and agriculture products as a percentage of total merchandise export as dependent variables. Key independent variables include mobile-cellular telephone subscription and individual using the internet. The study also introduced important control variables such as livestock production index and crop production index. The results from the estimation provide substantial evidence to show that ICT infrastructure has positive externality on agricultural sector performances in the long run. However, there is no evidence to maintain this position in the short run. The study, therefore, recommends that there should be a cautious approach to increasing investment in ICT infrastructure. Provision of in ICT infrastructure alone may not automatically improve agricultural output. Thus, there is a need for extension services to propagate and educate farmers on the importance of continuous adoption of ICT infrastructure for agricultural practices in SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Lukman O. Oyelami & Nurudeen Afolabi Sofoluwe & Omowumi Monisola Ajeigbe, 2022. "ICT and agricultural sector performance: empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:futbus:v:8:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1186_s43093-022-00130-y
    DOI: 10.1186/s43093-022-00130-y
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    Cited by:

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    3. Shadman Zafar & Mohammad Aarif & Md. Tarique, 2023. "Input subsidies, public investments and agricultural productivity in India," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Arif Imam Suroso & Idqan Fahmi & Hansen Tandra, 2022. "The Role of Internet on Agricultural Sector Performance in Global World," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-10, September.
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    6. Elvis K. Ofori & Simplice A. Asongu & Ernest B. Ali & Bright A. Gyamfi & Isaac Ahakwa, 2024. "Environmental impact of ISO 14001 certification in promoting Sustainable development: The moderating role of innovation and structural change in BRICS and MINT, and G7 economies," Working Papers 24/014, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).

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