An Econometric Assessment of ICT Adoption Determinants among Farmers in Nagaland

Abstract

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in modernizing agriculture and improving the dissemination of knowledge to farmers. Grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the diffusion of Innovations theory, this study assessed the extent and determinants of ICT adoption among farmers in Nagaland, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the year 2024-25 with 360 respondents selected through multistage random sampling from 24 villages across six purposively selected districts. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule with established content validity and reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.78-0.84 across sub-scales). Binary logistic regression was applied to identify significant predictors and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Model fit was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2= 7.43, p = 0.49) and Nagelkerke R2 (0.71). Multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors (VIF less than 3.2 for all predictors). Result: Fifty-four per cent of farmers were adopters of ICT tools. Significant predictors of adoption included knowledge (OR = 152.17, 95% CI: 19.51–1186.88), source of information (OR = 23.34, 95% CI: 4.66-116.88), availability of ICT services (OR = 17.71, 95% CI: 2.77-113.31), attitude (OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2.24-10.85), farming experience (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.18), annual income and education. These findings highlight the need for targeted digital literacy programmes and rural infrastructure investment to enhance adoption among farmers in the region.