title: Analysing the Effects of ICT Adoption &amp;Use on knowledge Creation by SMEs: (A Case Study of Some Agric-SMEs in Nigeria)
Creators: name: Ajobo, T
Publisher: name: Liverpool John Moores University
Year: 2023

description: Nigeria has for decades placed enormous emphasis on diversifying its economy beyond oil and into sectors such as agribusiness and manufacturing. One of the strategic factors for stimulating economic growth in a developing economy, is the investment in the digital economy. In this respect, it is especially important for SMEs entrepreneurs to accept innovative technologies and new business models. Attitude of SMEs towards the introduction of innovation, point to their ways of thinking and affect the intention to use innovation in business. The aim of this research is to analyse the effects of ICT Adoption and Use on knowledge creation by SMEs in Nigeria, with emphasis on some (Agric-SMEs in Nigeria). Over the years, there has been an increase in the adoption and use of Information and communication Technology (ICT) in organisations and businesses, and this has triggered some form of revolution in business practices. The world over, ICT has greatly transformed the way and manner in which companies and organisations conduct their activities and operations. However, there is considerable evidence to show that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), especially Agric-SMEs, in developing countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are yet to reap the full benefits offered by ICT, as compared to their counterparts in developed countries. Although, the contribution of SMEs, especially Agric-SMEs, is of notable importance to many countries’ economy, yet those in developing countries like Nigeria, still lag far behind. For SMEs to survive and remain competitive in today’s current highly competitive business environment, there is the need to adopt and use ICT effectively, in order to attain some level of competitive advantage, especially as it relates to Agric related businesses. This research investigates and analyses’ the effects, advantages, and importance of adopting and utilisation of ICT, with reference to the Agro-Allied SME businesses in Nigeria, as a Case Study. A total of 30 Agric-SMEs owners/managers/employees were interviewed and contacted in Nigeria, but 20 of them cooperated, participated, and responded to the interview questions, from which 15 were finally selected and used as the Case Study of the research. It is presumed that Agric-SMEs adoption and use of ICT in Nigeria, will provide great opportunities to accelerate the country’s socio-economic growth, as this will reduce the over-dependence on oil dominated mono-economy. Agriculture has always been considered an important sector for diversification, most recently as outlined in Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP-2017-2020). Why has diversification preoccupied modern economic policy making in Nigeria? It is mainly because growth has largely been non inclusive and without jobs. Therefore, the diversification of the Nigerian economy towards modern and mechanised Agriculture, will offer Nigeria the chance to leapfrog some stages of development.