Open Access
Open access
Information Processing in Agriculture, volume 6, issue 1, pages 26-46

An ICT model for increased adoption of farm input information in developing countries: A case in Sikasso, Mali

Publication typeJournal Article
Publication date2019-03-01
scimago Q1
wos Q1
SJR1.302
CiteScore21.1
Impact factor7.7
ISSN22143173
Computer Science Applications
Agronomy and Crop Science
Animal Science and Zoology
Aquatic Science
Forestry
Abstract
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a key role in the dissemination of information on farm inputs for their increased adoption. Small-scale cereal farmers have been exposed to ICT-based farm input information in developing countries. However, an underuse of these ICTs services has led to an insignificant adoption of farm input information. That underuse was due to certain factors. The purpose of this study was to propose an ICT model for increased adoption of farm input information by establishing these factors and their relationships. A convenient sample of 300 small-scale cereal farmers was selected in Sikasso, Mali to gather data. The partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to assess the model that was being proposed. We used the technique to establish the measurement model validity and to assess the structural model (hypotheses). The result suggested that the model was highly predictive of the Use of ICT-based farm input information (80.7%). In addition, use of these ICT-based farm input information was also highly predictive (68.4%) of the Increased Adoption of farm input information by small-scale cereal farmers in developing countries.
Kante M., Oboko R., Chepken C., Hamunyela S.
2017-05-01 citations by CoLab: 3 Abstract  
Farmers' perception of ICTs for disseminating agricultural input information is important in their adoption and use of ICTs. We investigated these perceptions and their effects on ICTs' use by small-scale cereal farmers in developing countries. Sikasso region in Mali was used as a case to gather data from 300 respondents. The perception was found to be a driver in the use of ICTs. Moreover, due to that, 95.13% of the respondents agreed that they would continue to use these ICTs. In addition, 75.84% strongly agreed of the respondents agreed that after they started using ICTs, it is easier for them to access and use agricultural input information. From these results, it is important to take the indicators of perception of ICTs i.e. relative advantage, compatibility and simplicity as the main factors determining the use of ICTs in the context of access and use of agricultural input information in developing countries.
Heeks R., Krishna S.
2016-11-01 citations by CoLab: 12 Abstract  
Hope is a core part of what it means to be human, and has long been recognised as foundational in driving people to make changes in their lives and contexts. Yet this importance of hope is not reflected in academic research, with little work being undertaken on hope and development, and none on hope and the application of ICTs-for-development (ICT4D). This paper makes a start on closing this knowledge gap by exploring the different meanings of hope within existing literature. It synthesises these meanings into a new multi-dimension content model of hope that looks at the subject, object and enaction of hope. This model is then linked to ICT4D initiatives by taking into account the hopes of different stakeholders, which are seen – via a modified ICT4D value chain framework – to be both an input to and an output from ICT4D adoption and use. The paper then undertakes a preliminary application of this framework to a case study using multiple sources of secondary data from the One-Laptop-per-Child initiative. This provides preliminary validation for the models of hope, and offers a foundation for future research seeking to understand the connection between ICT4D and this key human belief.
Kante M., Oboko R., Chepken C.
AIMS Agriculture and Food scimago Q2 wos Q3 Open Access
2016-06-22 citations by CoLab: 16 Abstract  
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a key role in the dissemination of information on agricultural inputs for more access to and use of agricultural input information. Farmers have been exposed to diverse ICTs channels access and use of agricultural input information in developing countries. Though efforts have been made to apply ICTs in the agricultural input information sector, the contribution does not clearly reflect how ICTs influence access and use of agricultural input information by farmers. It is therefore imperative for an investigation to be taken to identify the factors affecting the use of ICTs on agricultural input information in developing countries. In this paper, we inform our audience on the factors affecting the use of ICTs on agricultural input information by reviewing ICTs and published articles on ICTs on agricultural input information. We use grounded theory to synthetize the status of the use of ICTs on agricultural input information access and factors supporting or not supporting the use and adoption. It is observed that farmer’s perception such as the relative advantage, compatibility, simplicity, observability and social influence of ICTs and information quality are positively affecting the use of ICTs on agricultural input information in developing countries while the ICTs’ high service cost is negatively affecting their use.
Henseler J., Hubona G., Ray P.A.
2016-02-01 citations by CoLab: 3780 Abstract  
Purpose – Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling is a variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) technique that is widely applied in business and social sciences. Its ability to model composites and factors makes it a formidable statistical tool for new technology research. Recent reviews, discussions, and developments have led to substantial changes in the understanding and use of PLS. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper aggregates new insights and offers a fresh look at PLS path modeling. It presents new developments, such as consistent PLS, confirmatory composite analysis, and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations. Findings – PLS path modeling is the method of choice if a SEM contains both factors and composites. Novel tests of exact fit make a confirmatory use of PLS path modeling possible. Originality/value – This paper provides updated guidelines of how to use PLS and how to report and interpret its results.
Barakabitze A.A., Kitindi E.J., Sanga C., Shabani A., Philipo J., Kibirige G.
2015-09-01 citations by CoLab: 34 Abstract  
This paper explores how a wide range of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) available in Agricultural Research Institutes (ARIs) if used effectively by agriculture researchers can improve agriculture productivity in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire and telephonic interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 64 respondents made up of agricultural researchers, agriculture managers and other agricultural stakeholders in the selected institutes. Data were analyzed using statistical tools. The results indicate that ICTs tools are available in ARIs for the day to day research activities. However, utilization of agriculture journals is very limited due to unreliability and poor connectivity of the Internet and frequent power cuts. Results also show that the uses of specialized ICT devices have not taken a great recognition in agriculture activities which is attributed by low investment of ICTs that can be used for teaching and learning modern agriculture productivity techniques in institutes under this study. Among the challenges hindering the use of ICTs in ARIs includes: inadequate computers and the supporting technological infrastructure, lack of electricity needed to operate computers, unreliable Internet connectivity and lack of systematic ICTs investment; low coordination of agriculture stakeholders due to institutional diversity and department fragmentation. This study recommends that the Government of Tanzania (GoT) should formulate and implement ICT for Agriculture (ICT4A) projects based on a researched conceptual framework related to ICT4A use and Information and Communication Management (ICM) in ARIs in Tanzania.
Ponelis S.R., Holmner M.A.
2014-12-08 citations by CoLab: 40 Abstract  
Information and communication technology (ICT), encompassing modern technology that is used to aid the electronic capture, processing, storage and dissemination of information, whether in numerical...
Nakasone E., Torero M., Minten B.
2014-11-10 citations by CoLab: 151 Abstract  
We review the state of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their impact on agricultural development in developing countries, documenting the rapid changes that have taken place over the past decade. Although there remains a wide gap in access between rural and urban areas, the spread of mobile phones in rural areas has led to important changes in the agricultural sector. We find that access to mobile phones has generally improved agricultural market performance at the macro level; however, impacts at the micro level are mixed. Evidence regarding the impact of market information systems (MIS) delivered through mobile phones on farm prices and income is limited, but the evidence points to strong, heterogeneous impacts. Similarly, the rollout of extension programs though ICTs is still in an early stage, and little research is available regarding such programs’ impacts.
Henseler J., Ringle C.M., Sarstedt M.
2014-08-22 citations by CoLab: 16977 Abstract  
Discriminant validity assessment has become a generally accepted prerequisite for analyzing relationships between latent variables. For variance-based structural equation modeling, such as partial least squares, the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the examination of cross-loadings are the dominant approaches for evaluating discriminant validity. By means of a simulation study, we show that these approaches do not reliably detect the lack of discriminant validity in common research situations. We therefore propose an alternative approach, based on the multitrait-multimethod matrix, to assess discriminant validity: the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations. We demonstrate its superior performance by means of a Monte Carlo simulation study, in which we compare the new approach to the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the assessment of (partial) cross-loadings. Finally, we provide guidelines on how to handle discriminant validity issues in variance-based structural equation modeling.
2014-03-24 citations by CoLab: 8902 Abstract  
En la busqueda de aportes al desarrollo sostenible desde la construccion y tomando como referencia la aceptacion y aplicacion practica de los pavimentos con neumaticos reciclados, se realiza una investigacion cuantitativa con el objetivo de establecer las propiedades mecanicas de un concreto a los 28 dias, sustituyendo parcialmente el agregado fino en porcentajes de 5%, 10% y 15% en volumen, por neumatico triturado reciclado sin ningun tratamiento previo. Como aspectos positivos, los resultados muestran una reduccion en el peso unitario y un aumento en la resistencia a la traccion indirecta; sin embargo, se ve afectada la manejabilidad, la resistencia a la compresion, la resistencia a la flexion y se incrementa la absorcion inicial. De igual manera, en del desarrollo de la investigacion, fue analizado visualmente el comportamiento del neumatico dentro de la mezcla, observando una distribucion heterogenea y una adherencia parcial con la matriz.
F. Hair Jr J., Sarstedt M., Hopkins L., G. Kuppelwieser V.
European Business Review scimago Q1 wos Q2
2014-03-04 citations by CoLab: 5676 Abstract  
Purpose – The authors aim to present partial least squares (PLS) as an evolving approach to structural equation modeling (SEM), highlight its advantages and limitations and provide an overview of recent research on the method across various fields. Design/methodology/approach – In this review article, the authors merge literatures from the marketing, management, and management information systems fields to present the state-of-the art of PLS-SEM research. Furthermore, the authors meta-analyze recent review studies to shed light on popular reasons for PLS-SEM usage. Findings – PLS-SEM has experienced increasing dissemination in a variety of fields in recent years with nonnormal data, small sample sizes and the use of formative indicators being the most prominent reasons for its application. Recent methodological research has extended PLS-SEM's methodological toolbox to accommodate more complex model structures or handle data inadequacies such as heterogeneity. Research limitations/implications – While research on the PLS-SEM method has gained momentum during the last decade, there are ample research opportunities on subjects such as mediation or multigroup analysis, which warrant further attention. Originality/value – This article provides an introduction to PLS-SEM for researchers that have not yet been exposed to the method. The article is the first to meta-analyze reasons for PLS-SEM usage across the marketing, management, and management information systems fields. The cross-disciplinary review of recent research on the PLS-SEM method also makes this article useful for researchers interested in advanced concepts.
Mtebe J.S., Raisamo R.
2014-02-01 citations by CoLab: 43 Abstract  
In recent years, there has been an increasing adoption of various Learning Management Systems (LMS) in higher education in Sub-Saharan countries. Despite the perceived benefits of these systems to leverage challenges facing education sector in the region, studies show that the majority of them tend to fail; partially or totally. This paper presents a model for evaluating LMS deployed in Higher Education Institutions in Sub-Saharan countries through adopting and extending the updated DeLone and McLean information system success model. The proposed model and the instrument have been validated through a survey of 200 students enrolled in various courses offered via Moodle LMS at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The findings of this study will help those who are involved in the implementation of LMS in higher education in Sub-Saharan countries to evaluate their existing systems and/or to prepare corrective measures and strategies to avoid future LMS failures.
Urquhart C., Fernández W.
2013-09-01 citations by CoLab: 95 Abstract  
The use of grounded theory method (GTM) as a research method in information systems (IS) has gradually increased over the years as qualitative research in general has become more prevalent. The method offers a systematic way to generate theory from data, but is rarely used to its full potential in IS as a number of myths and misunderstandings about GTM prevent researchers from getting the full potential out of the method. To address this problem, we advance the general level of knowledge of GTM. We clarify aspects of the method that are often misunderstood by novice users or casual observers and provide guidance to address common problems. Exemplars from the IS literature are used to illustrate the concepts and to promote the informed use of the methodology. By doing so, this paper will contribute to improving the use of the method and to the quality and dissemination of grounded theory research outcomes.
Kante M.
2024-02-13 citations by CoLab: 0 Abstract  
AbstractInformation and communication technology enables extension services to farmers in developing countries. Although they have been deployed and adopted by farmers, the causal mechanisms (i.e., processes through which a result is brought about) underlying their adoption and use have not been adequately studied. This study uses the Critical Realism philosophical perspective to understand and integrate the various factors into a consistent and coherent model for adopting information and communication technology‐based extension services by agricultural extension officers in Mali. The study gathered data from 26 extension officers and farmers in Koulikoro and Segou, Mali. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis with the help of the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. The results revealed that the successful adoption of information and communication technology based extension services is the leading factor that can cause extension officers' satisfaction with agricultural extension services. This satisfaction drives societal change, that is, farmers improving their knowledge of extension services and extension officers efficiently disseminating them. In turn, this change may result in higher yield and, thus, better productivity. These findings guide policymakers, managers, and network providers for higher productivity in developing countries.
Nguyen L.L., Khuu D.T., Halibas A., Nguyen T.Q.
Evaluation Review scimago Q2 wos Q1
2023-09-07 citations by CoLab: 11 Abstract  
Sustainable agriculture is crucial for achieving SDG2 and building a resilient climate-food system. This study provides a nuanced understanding of factors that influence the adoption of precision agriculture technology by Vietnamese smallholder rice farmers as a sustainable agricultural solution. The study’s objectives are: (1) to provide a nuanced understanding of factors that influence adoption of precision agriculture technology by Vietnamese smallholder rice farmers; and (2) to identify factors associated with agricultural practice in Vietnam that may impact the adoption of precision agriculture technology. The study conducted 35 semi-structured interviews with smallholder rice farmers and agriculture experts. Data were analyzed using iterative thematic analysis. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was used for empirical analysis. The UTAUT constructs of Performance expectancy, Effort expectancy, Government support, and Social influence were found to be determinants of adoption. Trialability and Observability impact Effort expectancy and Performance expectancy. We also discovered that the performance of agricultural cooperatives and support of lead firms play a crucial role in facilitating agricultural technology adoption by Vietnamese smallholder rice farmers. The results confirm the applicability of UTAUT in defining smallholders’ behavioural intention and predicting agricultural technology adoption. The study also provides constructive feedback on the UTAUT model by highlighting the effect of agricultural cooperatives’ performance as innovation intermediaries and of the support of lead firms.
Almamy S., Jummai O.Y., Sekou T.
2023-03-31 citations by CoLab: 1 Abstract  
The production and adoption of sorghum-improved varieties are faced with biotic and abiotic stresses affecting both its utilization and marketability by different actors in the sorghum value chain. This study aims to understand why and how different social groups and value chain actors make decisions on the utilization of sorghum and how these decisions influence the choice and adoption of the sorghum cultivars introduced and promoted by the breeding programs. This study was conducted in Mali's Sudan and Savanna zones, wherein the different agroecological zones have differentiated production and utilization realities and traits demand. Mixed methods (surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews) combined with intersectional and value chain approaches were used for data collection and analysis. The data were collected from 836 respondents in 12 villages including 384 females (46%) and 452 males (54%) representing sorghum growers, processors, consumers, and traders. While the findings show gender-specific trait preferences, actors' traits choices revealed the gender dynamics in value chains in which the different roles, interests, and challenges of men and women influence their choices and adoption of sorghum cultivars. The results also revealed there is an increased opportunity for the sale of sorghum grains (38%); this may be explained by the continuous efforts made by research institutes to develop high-yield sorghum varieties and the evolving processing sector in Mali. Key words: Sorghum, gender, traits preferences, breeding, Mali.
Kante M., Ndayizigamiye P.
2023-03-17 citations by CoLab: 2 Abstract  
While the use of theories and models in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is important and has been studied, the scope of these theories has not been sufficiently researched. With the aid of systematic mapping, this study provides an overview of the research on ICT4D adoption in developing countries to determine the research gaps and trends in the theories used. The study presents research published in ICT4D journals between 2015 and 2019. The results indicate that the understanding of the conceptualisation of the constructs of the theories used in ICT4D research remains sparse. In addition, the statistical techniques (Regression, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, amongst others) used to assess the constructs in the selected studies may need more scrutiny. The study recommends that further studies be conducted using other qualitative methods of inquiry to identify any gaps that could have been missed.
Musungwini S., Gavai P.V., Munyoro B., Chare A.
This chapter explores the use of emerging ICT technologies for agriculture in Zimbabwe, a developing country in sub-Saharan Africa. It investigates the concept of ICT technologies and their potential impact on agriculture. The chapter then brings the background and context of the study. The chapter is premised on a qualitative approach which fuses a literature review to situate the chapter and eight (8) in-depth interviews and a ten (10) member focus group discussion to gather empirical data. The findings reveal that there are emerging ICT technologies in Zimbabwe which include artificial intelligence, drone technology, IoT, robots, and big data. However, the application and use of these technologies are still very localized and limited to big and highly capacitated commercial farmers, with very few smallholder farmers using the technology because of challenges that impede the adoption and use of these emerging ICT technologies for agriculture by the bulk of farmers. The chapter submitted measures that could be implemented to try and increase the adoption and increased use of these technologies.
Longo F., Mirabelli G., Solina V., Belli L., Abdallah C.B., Ben-Ammar O., Bottani E., García-Gallego J.M., Germanos M., González F.J., Lacoba S.R., Sidhom L., Vignali G., Zacharewicz G.
2023-01-13 citations by CoLab: 10 Abstract  
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted all the weaknesses of manufacturing systems and supply chains. In this challenging context, smallholders have faced several crises mainly related to the difficulty of finding manpower for harvesting activities and the impossibility of distributing food, due to the forced closure of many distribution channels. The main consequences were lost sales and wasted food. With the aim of increasing the responsiveness of smallholders in the face of COVID-like crises, this paper provides an overview of methodologies and approaches currently available in the literature in terms of: ICT tools, blockchain-based solutions, business models, sustainability-oriented frameworks, simulation models. The analysis of the literature provides two main outputs: (1) a list of challenges to be faced in the coming years to improve the working conditions of smallholders, (2) the definition of future research developments, which mainly concern the design of an ICT platform, which integrates multiple technological aspects.
Kante M., Ndayizigamiye P.
2022-12-01 citations by CoLab: 1 Abstract  
Many developing countries have put in place interventions to help small-scale farmers to increase their agricultural productivity. Some of these interventions include the use of Information and Communication Technology tools by extension services to disseminate agricultural input information. However, to date, there is still a limited understanding of the agricultural information needs and seeking behavior of these farmers. Such understanding is needed in order to devise adequate ICT-driven interventions that are in sync with the information needs and seeking behavior of the farmers. Hence, this study investigated farmer’s agricultural input information needs and their information-seeking behavior in the context of Mali. The study adopted the Information-Seeking Task framework as the guiding theoretical lens. Data, gathered from 100 respondents, were analyzed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The results revealed that there are five farmer’s agricultural input information needs, namely calendar planning; planting; water, fertilizer, and pest management, and input provision. Furthermore, the findings showed that farmers seeking agricultural input information formally, that is, through mobile phone satisfied their information needs more than those seeking it informally through their peers. The findings suggest that farmer’s extension services should pay more attention to these results when devising their interventions.
Yadav R., Giri A., Chatterjee S.
2022-10-01 citations by CoLab: 42 Abstract  
Despite the proven capabilities of smartphone-based health care apps their adoption in developing nations is still not encouraging. The present research attempts to understand the users' motivations and barriers to adopting and using healthcare apps through the lens of Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT). The present research uses a mixed-method approach conducted in the two-phase: Phase 1- qualitative study (thematic analysis) and phase 2- quantitative analysis (structural equation modeling). The thematic analysis helps identify the motivators- “reason for” and barriers- “reason against” among users while using healthcare apps. Further, the output of the thematic analysis was incorporated into the questionnaire survey to get a comprehensive understanding. A total of 311 usable responses were collected through the survey for testing the hypothesized relationships. The findings suggested personal value (openness to change) and social value were associated with “reason for” and “reason against,” which further influences users' attitudes and intentions towards using healthcare apps. The findings also confirm domain-specific innovativeness moderating effect on the association between reason against & intention and attitude and intention towards using healthcare apps. The findings provide insights to policymakers and marketers that will help to increase the adoption intention of healthcare apps among users. • Relative advantage, trialability, compatibility, & observability were identified as “reasons for” healthcare apps adoption. • Complexity, aversion to change, & technological anxiety were identified as “reasons against” healthcare apps adoption. • Personal & social values significantly influenced the users’ reasoning and attitude towards healthcare apps. • Reasoning (for/against) significantly influenced individuals’ attitudes towards healthcare apps.

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