The Digital Harvest: An Exploratory Study on the Impact of Digital Technology Adoption on Agribusiness Growth in Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract This exploratory research paper investigates the relationship between digital technology adoption and agribusiness growth in Cameroon. Despite agriculture's critical role contributing approximately 15% to GDP and employing over 60% of the active population the sector faces entrenched challenges: low productivity, post-harvest losses estimated at 25–35%, and inefficient value chains that erode profitability. Digital technologies including mobile market platforms, digital financial services, and precision agriculture offer potential solutions. Using a mixed-methods design involving a survey of 200 agribusinesses across the Littoral, West, and Centre regions (conducted October–December 2024), the study finds a statistically significant positive correlation between digital adoption intensity and key growth metrics (revenue increase, market expansion). However, overall adoption remains critically low (38%). Primary barriers are high costs (85% of respondents), poor internet connectivity (78%), and limited digital literacy (65%), with language barriers (40%) emerging as a locally specific constraint. The findings call for coordinated policy interventions in infrastructure, affordability, and human capital development. Keywords: Digital Harvest, Digital Technology Adoption, Agribusiness Growth and Cameroon