Information and communication technology for sustainable small-scale sweet potato farming: A case of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Nowadays Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become an indispensable tool for enhancing farming. It is considered an important factor in disseminating farming information to small-scale sweet potato farmers. Farming information is regarded as a critical factor for decision making for small-scale sweet potato farmers. In South Africa, small-scale sweet potato farmers access farming information through ICT channels. However, the lack of knowledge and skills in using ICTs prohibits small-scale sweet potato farmers from accessing farming information. This study evaluates the effects of facilitating conditions, technical aspects, cost of accessing the internet and socio-cultural issues on sweet potato farmers’ behavioral intention to adopt ICTs for sustainable farming (BI-ICT4SF). Thus, this study aims to assess the effects of these factors on small-scale sweet potato farmers’ BI-ICT4SF and use behavior of ICT4SF. This study adopts a mixed method approach. Qualitative data was collected from 10 small-scale sweet potato farmers using semi-structured interview; while quantitative data was collected from 150 respondents using structured questionnaires from small-scale sweet potato farmers in Vhembe Rural District, Limpopo Province. Quantitative data was analyzed using IBM SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of this study showed that price value, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, socio-cultural value and technical information are strong predictors of BI-ICT4SF; while BI-ICT4SF has a positive influence on use behavior of ICT4SF. Effort expectancy was not a significant predictor of BI-ICT4SF. These findings add new insights and awareness to small-scale sweet potato farmers on the best practice of using ICTs and skills they would require for accessing farming information. The proper adoption of ICTs will enhance sustainable small-scale sweet potato farming.