IMPACT OF ICTS USAGE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING STUDY IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

The study was conducted in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State between June and August 2021. The purpose of this study was to determine how ICTs affected smallholder farmers’ adaption strategies. 240 respondents were chosen at random using a multiple-stage random sampling procedure for the study. The levels were determined using frequency and percentages of summated scores by categorization into high moderate and low using range. The impacts of ICTs on adaptation strategies were determined using structural equation modeling (IBM SPSS Amos 20). The study revealed high-level adaptation strategies (M=3.69) and a moderate level of ICTs (M=3.51). The research also showed how ICTs affect adaptive strategies. The impact of radio (β= 0.355, CR = 4.145, P =.001), mobile (β=.322, CR= 4.111, P=.000), television, (β=.211, CR=3.717, P=.000) on adaptation strategies were positive and statistically significant. The results recommends that planned interventions be carried out to coordinate ICT/telecommunications agencies with those in charge of adaptation policy and planning, notably National Adaptation Plans, for more efficient planning and implementation.