Factors Influencing Adoption of the PlantVillage Nuru Application for Cassava Mosaic Disease Diagnosis Among Farmers in Benin
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Dèwanou Kant David Ahoya1,2*, Eveline Marie Fulbert Windinmi Sawadogo-Compaore3, Jacob Afouda Yabi1 , Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin4, Jerome Anani Houngue2, Serge Sètondji Houedjissin2 , Justin S. Pita5, and Corneille Ahanhanzo2
1UFR Laboratory of Analysis and Research on Economic and Social Dynamics (LARDES), University of Parakou (UP), Parakou P.O. Box 123, Benin; ja_yabi@yahoo.com,
2Central Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement (LCBVAP), University of
Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou 01 B.P. 4521, Benin; hounanje@gmail.com (J.A.H.);
sergesth01@yahoo.fr (S.S.H.); corneille.ahanhanzo@wave-center.org (C.A.),
3Department of Natural Resource Management and Production Systems, Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), Ouagadougou BP 7047, Burkina Faso; compeve@yahoo.fr,
4Research 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; mtachin@yahoo.com,
5Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE), Scientific and Innovation Hub of Bingerville, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (UFHB), Abidjan 22 BP 582, Côte d’Ivoire; justin.pita@wave-center.org
* Correspondence: davidahoya13@gmail.com
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.
