Mapping Synergies and Trade-offs between Digital Agriculture Outcomes and Inequalities among Farmers in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya
Published by: Admin
Authors: Evans Kemboi, Prakash Singh Badal, Virendra Kamalvanshi, Sachin Rathour and Bharath Kumar Mannepalli
Abstract
Digital technologies are often regarded as the next agricultural revolution, accelerating sustainable agrifood production. However, research on the synergies and trade-offs of digital practices in agriculture and the determinants of digital inequalities and its economic, societal or environmental implications are lacking. A survey of 384 farming households was conducted in Uasin Gishu County of Kenya. Higher synergistic interactions were found over trade-offs, indicating that a focus on one aspect of digital technology may result in spillover effects on other outcomes, although some farmers may struggle to reap the benefits in the short term. The biggest synergies exist between increased credit availability, entrepreneurial skills and weather updates/alerts access, while the biggest trade-off occurs between farm workers reduction, increased credit availability and high data bundles/devices costs. The age, geographical location, education level and accessibility to extension services were key determinants of digital inequality. This contribution emphasizes the need for integrated digital strategies that promote both innovation and inclusivity for equitable socio-economic outcomes.