The adoption of digital technologies by women in the agricultural sector in Senegal: A comparative analysis of the Matam department and the SEFA Sédhiou community agricultural domain

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the effects of the adoption of digital technologies among women in the agricultural sector by proposing a comparative analysis of two study areas on the adoption process, the role of women leaders in this process, the transformations induced by the use of digital technologies, and the obstacles to the adoption of these technologies. It mobilizes the theory of capabilities and the paradigm of "frame Analysis". A mixed approach, implementing field observations, interviews, and the administration of a questionnaire to the target population, was used in the data collection phase. The results of this study reveal that, compared to the adoption of digital technologies by women, access to technologies in SEFA is facilitated by the Community Agricultural Domain (DAC), while in Matam, it is more limited despite the support of certain structures such as the SAED. The main obstacles in Matam are the lack of training, mastery of tools and limited access to digital infrastructure. Regarding the changes brought about by digital technologies in agriculture, their use leads to significant transformations, particularly in terms of cultivated area, yields, and product marketing. Regarding the obstacles to the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture by women, they manifest themselves mainly in three forms : the impact on employment, the high cost of technologies, and environmental constraints.

JEL Classification : Q15, C14

Paper type: Empirical research