ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Technology, Livestock, Farmers, NsukkaAbstract
Artificial intelligence has been deployed by farmers worldwide to achieve sustainable agricultural practices through the reduction of pests, improvement of soil health, and terracing, among others. In Nigeria, AI initiatives such as “Farmcrowdy” have been used to build sustainable food solutions in Africa. However, the level of knowledge of rural livestock farmers in Nsukka and the extent of utilisation of these technologies remains unclear. Specifically, this study investigates the level of knowledge, adoption and perceived benefits of integrating artificial intelligence technologies into livestock agricultural practices for farmers in Nsukka and the challenges influencing the adoption of AI technologies among these farmers. Twenty renowned livestock farmers within Nsukka urban were purposively selected for the study. The study employed a qualitative research design using a reflexive thematic analysis with an interview guide as the instrument of data collection. The study identified practical techniques on how AI technologies can influence livestock farming outcomes and contribute to the sustainability of livestock farming, emphasising inadequate technical knowledge as a major challenge affecting adoption.
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