Olukayode Idris Lasisi

The usage of digital technologies in the agricultural sector is becoming widely recognised as a means of enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in developing countries. In most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the adoption of agritech innovations is still underutilised, especially in countries where institutional and structural factors prevail. This paper explored economic factors and the policy behind the adoption of digital technology in the management of livestock in Nigeria and South Africa using a comparative and multi-level analytical paradigm. The paper employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI), and the institutional approach. A qualitative research design was adopted for this study, using primary and secondary sources of data gathering. Primary data were gathered through the conduct of interviews with the livestock farmers in Northern Nigeria, and secondary data from policy and institutional documents in South Africa. Three variables, that is, the perception of the farmers, diffusion, and policy environments in determining the adoption outcomes, were examined. Findings showed that even though farmers show a high level of perceived usefulness of digital technologies, the usage of these technologies was limited due to poor infrastructure, high prices, and poor institutional support. In comparison, the findings of the study showed that South Africa has consistent policy frameworks and better institutional capacity to support greater adoption, whereas there exists low usage due to a disjointed policy environment, despite its positive perception by farmers in Nigeria. The study contributes to the existing literature by integrating diffusion, behavioural, and institutional perspectives into a multi-level framework for understanding the adoption of agri-tech in developing countries. The study concluded that the success of digital agricultural transformation requires robust policy, technological innovation, and institutional systems for its adoption.

This study examines the roles governance plays in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development. It queries the ubiquitous notion that development occurs under certain conditions independently of governance, focusing on the impacts of institutional weaknesses, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies on the country’s journey to progress. Despite the abundance of both human and natural resources, Nigeria’s growth has been impeded by systemic governance failures, leading to long-term consequences such as institutional degradation, uneven development, social inequalities and poor public service delivery. This study explores an understanding of how weak governance structures created a dilemma in the country’s developmental efforts. It further explores the disdain for good governance and reforms within the political and administrative spheres of government, thereby eroding the move for enhanced development. This study affirms the need for a significant overhaul of the governance structures and institutions in Nigeria, without which development will be a ‘myth in disdain’. This study recommends structural and institutional reforms that prioritise accountability, transparency and strong leadership commitment geared towards the country’s development.

Pan-Africanism’s ideology has long promoted African society’s unity, fostering cohesion among people living in various states across the continent. After gaining independence, African states have evolved from colonial structures into independent entities, resulting in a heightened manifestation of the “Pan-Africanism ideology” and a more profound understanding of statehood. This study examined the impact of the Pan-Africanist movement on present-day statehood in Africa by investigating socio-economic and political variables, its effect on post-colonial African society and its ongoing significance in the pursuit of regional integration. The study analysed several limitations that result from the continent’s historical colonial origins, political structures, and the tension between the autonomous states and the demand for a more cohesive union. A comparative analysis of the African integration agenda was conducted using a case study approach from several African institutions, including the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This analysis highlighted the cultural and social integration efforts of a shared regional identity among separate sovereign states. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the integration and growth of African nations by examining how the Pan-Africanism of statehood shapes the complex dynamics of the continent. The need arises for a fresh perspective on an integration that upholds the autonomy of each African state while safeguarding African society’s collective cohesion. Consequently, it asks for enhanced cooperation among policymakers and stakeholders engaged in Africa’s economic success. Keywords: Pan-Africanism, Nationhood, Development, Statehood, Integration, Political System