Factors Influencing Adoption of the PlantVillage Nuru Application for Cassava Mosaic Disease Diagnosis Among Farmers in Benin

Dèwanou Kant David Ahoya (), Eveline Marie Fulbert Windinmi Sawadogo-Compaore, Jacob Afouda Yabi, Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin, Jerome Anani Houngue, Serge Sètondji Houedjissin, Justin Simon Pita and Corneille Ahanhanzo
Additional contact information
Dèwanou Kant David Ahoya: Laboratory of Analysis and Research on Economic and Social Dynamics (LARDES), University of Parakou (UP), Parakou P.O. Box 123, Benin
Eveline Marie Fulbert Windinmi Sawadogo-Compaore: Department of Natural Resource Management and Production Systems, Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), Ouagadougou BP 7047, Burkina Faso
Jacob Afouda Yabi: Laboratory of Analysis and Research on Economic and Social Dynamics (LARDES), University of Parakou (UP), Parakou P.O. Box 123, Benin
Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin: Research Unit in Horticultural Production and Green Space Management (URPHGEV), School of Horticulture and Green Space Development (EHAEV), National University of Agriculture (UNA), Kétou P.O. Box 43, Benin
Jerome Anani Houngue: Central Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement (LCBVAP), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou 01 B.P. 4521, Benin
Serge Sètondji Houedjissin: Central Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement (LCBVAP), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou 01 B.P. 4521, Benin
Justin Simon Pita: Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE), Scientific and Innovation Hub of Bingerville, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (UFHB), Abidjan 22 BP 582, Côte d’Ivoire
Corneille Ahanhanzo: Central Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement (LCBVAP), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou 01 B.P. 4521, Benin

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: Cassava production in Africa is constrained by number of biotic factors, including cassava mosaic disease (CMD). In response to this challenge, the PlantVillage Nuru application, which employs artificial intelligence for CMD diagnosis, provides farmers with the ability to independently detect the disease. This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of the innovative Nuru application by farmers in Benin. Data were randomly collected from 305 farmers in three Agricultural Development Poles (PDAs 5, 6 and 7). A binary logit model was used to analyze the determinants of adoption. The results show that, despite the potential of the Nuru application, the adoption rate remained relatively low at 14.1%. The key drivers of adoption were found to be participation in CMD training, disease knowledge, ownership of an Android smartphone, education level and practice of crop association. These findings emphasize the necessity of intensifying farmers’ training and raising awareness about CMD. Effective strategies to reach and train a significant number of farmers are crucial. Enhancing Nuru adoption can lead to more effective CMD management and improved cassava production, which will have a positive impact on food security in Africa and strengthen the resilience of farming communities against biotic challenges.

Keywords: cassava mosaic disease; PlantVillage Nuru; adoption decision; logit model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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