The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies In Enhancing Agricultural Supply Chain Management: Evidence From Liberian Farmers Via Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools—namely mobile phones, internet, radio, and televisions—on Supply Chain Management (SCM) among farmers in Liberia. This research examines the effects of ICT tools—mobile phones, internet, radio, and televisions—on supply chain performance among farmers in Liberia. Set against fragmented logistics, limited market linkages, and uneven ICT access in Liberia’s agri-food sector, data were collected via electronic questionnaires from 147 respondents across five agricultural regions and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in IBM SPSS AMOS. Results indicate that mobile phone-based information has significantly positive effects (p<0.05) on supply chain management. However, information derived from internet, television, and radio didn’t show a statistically significant effect on overall supply chain management performance (p>0.05). The study supports the strategic role of ICTs in enhancing rural agribusiness by improving communication, operational efficiency, and market access. It contributes context-specific evidence from Liberia and proposes digital infrastructure improvements that can inform strategies in other emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The study has some limitations as the five-county scope and cross-sectional design restrict external validity and causal inference. Future research should broaden and stratify samples, incorporate informal information channels (community centers, local markets, religious institutions, peer networks), and consider mixed-methods (quantitative + qualitative) or hybrid SEM+DCE approaches to strengthen mechanism tests and policy relevance. Policy recommendations include improving internet access and training through national institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, CARI, and NADP. Enhanced digital literacy and promotion of agricultural content through mobile platforms and targeted TV/radio programming could foster better ICT use among farmers.