WILLINGNESS TO ADOPT PRECISION AGRICULTURE: AN ANALYSIS OF GOMBE AND BAUCHI STATES  OF NIGERIA

Clement Ezeaku; Ozoemena Ani; Joseph  Adama; Victor  Job; Samuel  Sule; Azikiwe  Onwualu; Nwankwojike  Bethrand; Itohan  Otoijamun; Ogbobe  Peter

doi:10.4314/njt.v43i1.21

Authors

C. Ezeaku Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
A. O. Ani Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9523-9249
J. Adama Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State
V. Job Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka
S. Sule UL Radzikowskiego 106D/331-315- Kraków Poland
A. Onwualu Department of Material Science, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja
B. Nwankwojike Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State
I. Otoijamun National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
P. Ogbobe Project Development Institute, Enugu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v43i1.21

Keywords:

Precision agriculture, Willingness, Precision agriculture adoption, Gombe, Bauchi

Abstract

Adoption of Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies has apparent benefits for agricultural production management, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. However, these technologies are also extremely complicated and influenced by various social and economic forces, which impact their adoption rate, particularly in developing nations. Demographic and agricultural characteristics also play an important role in determining willingness to adopt PA. This study is a survey aimed at establishing the willingness indices of farmers and other relevant personnel to embrace precision farming technologies in Gombe and Bauchi states of Nigeria. The survey included individuals of varied ages; but an average age of 28.5 years for Gombe and 36.5 years for Bauchi, educational levels, and employment statuses, as well as agricultural and operational features. The willingness to adopt PA is high in both states, with 92% in Gombe and 96% in Bauchi. The findings suggest that, while high costs and a lack of technical know-how had a negative impact on readiness to adopt PA in both states, the level of complexity was rated higher by the older generation in Bauchi state, which had a comparatively high mean farmer age. The size of the farm and the number of employees had no direct influence on the adoption of PA technology. Other criteria, such as age and number of years of operation, indicate overlap between the various stages of internet and digital technology adoption, mechanization, and PA. The high willingness rating indicates that farmers are willing to adopt PA technologies if made accessible. It is therefore advised that legislative tools, training programs, and necessary access to financing facilities be employed to make these technologies available and cheap for farmers.

Author Biography

A. O. Ani, Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka

Professor, Mechatronics and Agricultural Mechanization.

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