Barriers to the Adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Accessing Agricultural Information by Small-Scale Farmers in Mahikeng, Northwest Province

O. Shemfe; S. Modirwa

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a20927

Authors

O. Shemfe Walter Sisulu University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0996-1505
S. Modirwa Northwest University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5431-4871

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a20927

Keywords:

ICT Adoption, Small-Scale Farmers, Barriers

Abstract

Small-scale farmers in Mahikeng, South Africa, face significant challenges in leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for agricultural information. This study examined how socio-economic characteristics and perceived barriers influence the adoption of ICT. A cross-sectional survey of 121 farmers was conducted using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Findings showed that while 92% of respondents were aware of ICT-based agricultural services, actual adoption was uneven. Approximately 86% used ICT, primarily radios and mobile phones, while internet-based platforms were relatively rare. Barriers were multifaceted, with unreliable electricity and poor connectivity being the most frequently cited (85%), followed by high device costs (71%) and unaffordable data (73%). The absence of local ICT hubs (79%) and socio-cultural constraints such as low literacy and language mismatches further limited uptake. Regression analysis revealed that larger farm sizes significantly increased the likelihood of adoption, while high perceived costs and poor internet access reduced it. Overall, despite high awareness, ICT adoption is constrained by intersecting infrastructural, economic, and socio-cultural barriers. Addressing these issues requires a holistic strategy that combines infrastructure investment, affordability interventions, and targeted digital literacy support.

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Author Biographies

O. Shemfe, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthata Campus, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
S. Modirwa , Northwest University, South Africa

Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Northwest University, South Africa.

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