Bridging the Digital Divide in Cameroonian Agribusiness: A Mixed-Methods Framework for Evaluating Technology Adoption and Economic Growth

Abstract

This study evaluates the drivers and impacts of digital technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Cameroonian agribusiness, employing a mixed-methods approach. The study surveyed 850 farmers across three regions using stratified random sampling, complemented by qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis reveals that mobile ownership and credit access significantly enhance technology adoption likelihood, with odds ratios of 3.3 and 3.0, respectively. Adoption is associated with notable economic benefits, including a $500 increases in annual income and a 200 kg/ha yield improvement, while reducing poverty rates by 10 percentage points. The logistic regression analysis highlights cooperative membership, electricity access, and digital literacy as additional significant drivers, underscoring the multifaceted nature of adoption dynamics. Qualitative insights confirm these findings, with stakeholders emphasizing mobile technology as a critical enabler and identifying infrastructure deficits as persistent barriers. These results suggest targeted policy interventions can enhance adoption rates and amplify agricultural productivity and socioeconomic outcomes, advocating for further investment in digital infrastructure and farmer training programs. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable evidence for policymakers and practitioners aiming to foster sustainable agricultural development through digital innovations.