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Digital Connectivity and Agricultural Supply Chain Resilience: Empirical Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Post-Conflict Liberia

Author

Listed:
  • Monica D. Jones

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agriculture University (SAU))

  • Melissa Hawa Isabel Sackie

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agriculture University (SAU))

  • Christophe A. Lavall, Jr

    (School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (SMEE), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC))

  • Ezekie Z. Ziah

    (School of Public Administration (SPA) , University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC))

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between digital connectivity and agricultural supply chain resilience among smallholder farmers across all 15 counties in post-conflict Liberia. Adopting a cross-sectional quantitative design, the research uses seven validated secondary datasets from 2016 to 2022 to analyze the impacts of ICT access, digital literacy, and gender equity on core supply chain outcomes, including post-harvest losses, farm-gate prices, transport costs, and formal market participation. Four novel composite key performance indicators, the ICT-SCM Performance Index, Digital Supply Chain Readiness Score, Supply Chain Vulnerability Index, and Market Integration Score, are developed to enable standardized and replicable resilience measurement in data-scarce post-conflict contexts. Empirical results demonstrate strong positive associations between digital connectivity and supply chain resilience: a one-unit increase in the ICT Development Index reduces post-harvest losses by 6.2 percentage points, while digital literacy significantly improves farm-gate prices and market integration. Gender gaps in digital access moderate the ICT–resilience relationship, weakening the conversion of digital resources into supply chain benefits. Spatial analysis reveals significant clustering of vulnerability and digital readiness, with Montserrado County outperforming all regions and southeastern counties trapped in overlapping deficits of digital access, infrastructure, and income. Findings confirm that ICT effectiveness depends on complementary road infrastructure and household resources. This study addresses critical empirical gaps in fragile-state agricultural digitalization research and provides evidence to support gender-responsive, spatially targeted policy interventions for Liberia’s National Digital Strategy and agricultural resilience programs, offering a transferable framework for other post-conflict economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica D. Jones & Melissa Hawa Isabel Sackie & Christophe A. Lavall, Jr & Ezekie Z. Ziah, 2026. "Digital Connectivity and Agricultural Supply Chain Resilience: Empirical Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Post-Conflict Liberia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(3), pages 7014-7033, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:3:p:7014-7033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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