SAMBO, STEPHANIE (2025) ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE IN AFRICAS ECONOMIC GROWTH A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT 2015-2023. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU.
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Abstract
This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing economic growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector between 2015 and 2023, focusing on the core challenges limiting its adoption and integration. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research explores how perceived usefulness, ease of use, and external factors such as infrastructure, digital literacy, and policy influence farmers’ intention and actual use of AI technologies. Using a qualitative exploratory design, the study draws from secondary data including academic journals, policy documents, government publications, industry white papers, and reports from international organizations. Thematic analysis shows a positive link between AI use and agricultural growth, with innovations like Hello Tractor and IAPrecision increasing yields and reducing pesticide use. However, only eight percent of Nigerian farmers currently use AI tools compared to thirty-five percent in Kenya. Major obstacles include poor infrastructure, weak digital skills, inadequate funding, and low policy commitment, as seen in NATIP’s minimal digital budget. Gender gaps, e-waste mismanagement, and limited rural access further constrain progress. The study confirms that Nigeria faces significant challenges in AI implementation and that limited AI integration has slowed agricultural-driven economic growth. TAM proved useful in explaining adoption behavior but needs adaptation to reflect the realities of developing contexts. Based on the findings, the study recommends creating solar-powered AI hubs, a National AI-Agriculture Innovation Fund, and integrating AI training into schools. Long-term strategies should include rural 5G expansion, inclusive financing, and environmental safeguards. This research adds to the discourse on digital agriculture in Africa and offers a practical and theoretical roadmap for sustainable AI-driven development. Future research should examine youth engagement, regional policy models from countries like Ghana and Rwanda, and ethical issues around data, fairness, and access.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Other) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences > Faculty of Education > Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Uchenna Eneogwe |
| Date Deposited: | 29 May 2026 12:04 |
| Last Modified: | 29 May 2026 13:05 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5677 |
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