AWARENESS, PERCEPTION AND ADOPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGIES AMONG AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the awareness, perception, and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among agricultural entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select six local government areas (Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Abak, Oron, and Etinan) known for their high agribusiness activity. Data were collected from 150 respondents (25 from each LGA), comprising crop, poultry, and fish farmers, using a structured questionnaire titled "Awareness, Perception, and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Technologies Among Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State." The instrument was validated by three experts in agricultural extension, agribusiness, and information technology, and its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85. Descriptive statistics (mean, percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square test) were used to analyze the data. Results revealed moderate awareness of basic AI tools like weather forecasting (mean=2.90) but low awareness of advanced applications such as soil monitoring (mean=2.15). Farmers perceived AI as beneficial for productivity (mean=3.05) but expressed skepticism about labor reduction (mean=2.75). Adoption rates were low, with only 15% regularly using weather apps and below 5% adopting precision tools like automated irrigation. A significant association (χ²=18.65, p<0.001) was found between awareness and adoption, indicating that knowledge gaps are a critical barrier. The study concludes that while AI holds transformative potential, its adoption in Nigeria is hindered by limited awareness, cost, and infrastructure. Recommendations include targeted training for extension agents, subsidized AI tools, and improved rural digital infrastructure. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to accelerate AI integration in Nigerian agriculture.