Determinants of digital platform adoption among women entrepreneurs in agribusiness in Kilosa District

Lusako A. Mwakiluma; Abdulrahman O. Athuman

doi:10.51867/scimundi.6.2.46

Authors

Lusako A. Mwakiluma College of Business Education (CBE), Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7104-3664
Abdulrahman O. Athuman College of Business Education (CBE) https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7534-2205

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.2.46

Keywords:

Agribusiness, Digitalization, ICT, Vulnerabilities

Abstract

Despite the increasing role of digital technologies in transforming agricultural value chains, women entrepreneurs continue to face multiple barriers that limit their effective participation in digital agribusiness. Therefore, the current study examines factors influencing the adoption of digital platforms among women entrepreneurs in Agribusiness at Kilosa district. This study is anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A cross-sectional research design was employed, and primary data were collected from women entrepreneurs using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and Multivariate Probit Model were used to analyze the data collected from 384 women entrepreneurs in agribusiness in Kilosa district. The findings revealed that digital literacy training, smartphone ownership, mobile banking access, and income significantly influence the adoption of digital platforms. Women entrepreneurs who had received digital training and had access to digital tools were more likely to adopt platforms such as Kilimo Fresh, M-Kilimo, and Internet banking. Access to credit and business experience also showed positive effects on adoption, highlighting the importance of financial capacity and entrepreneurial exposure. However, factors such as mobile network availability, education level, and distance to financial services showed limited or inconsistent influence on adoption decisions. The study concludes that digital platform adoption among women entrepreneurs is driven more by access to skills, financial resources, and digital tools than by basic infrastructure or demographic characteristics. It recommends the implementation of targeted digital literacy programs, expansion of affordable digital services, and development of gender-inclusive financial products to enhance adoption. Strengthening institutional support systems and improving access to technical assistance are also critical for promoting inclusive digital transformation in agribusiness.

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