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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Diffusion and Agricultural Sector Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from System GMM Estimation

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  • Moges Wondimeneh Desalegn

    (Development Economics, Ethiopian Civil Service University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work The study examines how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) diffusion influences agricultural value-added in 37 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2012 to 2022. It aims to identify which ICT components – internet use, broadband, mobile, and fixed telephone subscriptions – most effectively drive agricultural transformation and productivity. Materials and methods Using a two-step System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) estimator, the study addresses endogeneity, persistence, and unobserved heterogeneity in dynamic panel data. The model includes key ICT indicators and control variables such as gross fixed capital formation and natural resource rents, supported by diagnostic tests for validity and robustness. Results Findings show that internet use and fixed telephony positively influence agricultural value-added, while broadband and mobile subscriptions show negative effects, reflecting infrastructure and saturation challenges Conclusions ICT diffusion fosters agricultural transformation in SSA, contingent on digital literacy, infrastructure, and institutional readiness

Suggested Citation

  • Moges Wondimeneh Desalegn, 2026. "Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Diffusion and Agricultural Sector Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from System GMM Estimation," Economic and Regional Studies / Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne, Sciendo, vol. 19(2), pages 290-316.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:ecoreg:v:19:y:2026:i:2:p:290-316:n:1007
    DOI: 10.2478/ers-2026-0017
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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