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The Role of Human Capital Development and Technology Adoption in the Food Security of Sub-Saharan African Countries

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  • Samuel, David Adebisi

    (Department of Economics, Trinity University, Lagos, Nigeria.)

  • Wale-Odunaiya, Enitan

    (Department of Economics, Veritas University, Abuja)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of human capital development and technological innovation on food security in Sub-Saharan African countries using panel data covering 45 countries from 2000 to 2022. Drawing on the Human Capital Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the study employs the Panel ARDL methodology to assess both short-run and long-run dynamics. Unit root and cointegration tests confirm the appropriateness of the model, while robustness checks, cross-sectional dependence diagnostics, validate the stability of the estimates. The results show that agricultural productivity and government expenditure on education significantly enhance food security in the long run, while technological innovation demonstrates marginal but important influence. The error correction term is negative and significant, indicating a stable long-run relationship among the variables. The study concludes that investments in agricultural education, technology dissemination, and productivity-enhancing initiatives are critical to achieving sustainable food security in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel, David Adebisi & Wale-Odunaiya, Enitan, 2025. "The Role of Human Capital Development and Technology Adoption in the Food Security of Sub-Saharan African Countries," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(7), pages 1433-1446, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-7:p:1433-1446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boima M. Bernard & Yanping Song & Sehresh Hena & Fayyaz Ahmad & Xin Wang, 2022. "Assessing Africa’s Agricultural TFP for Food Security and Effects on Human Development: Evidence from 35 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Cunguara, Benedito & Darnhofer, Ika, 2011. "Assessing the impact of improved agricultural technologies on household income in rural Mozambique," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 378-390, June.
    3. Ruzzante, Sacha & Labarta, Ricardo & Bilton, Amy, 2021. "Adoption of agricultural technology in the developing world: A meta-analysis of the empirical literature," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
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