TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRO-ALLIED SMEs IN NIGERIA

Abstract: This paper examined the role of technology infrastructure optimisation in the development of agro-allied SMEs in Nigeria. Following the related challenges of illiteracy among farmers, poor funding and the lack of collaboration within the Nigerian agricultural sector, the imperatives of technology infrastructure optimization are examined in line with strengthening and reinforcing the competitiveness, change receptivity and innovativeness of agro-allied SMEs. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was also adopted as the theoretical premise and framework for delineating the role of technology infrastructure to organisation efficiency and effectiveness. Literature highlighted related technology infrastructure such as the IoT-based irrigation systems, the Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS) automated machinery such as GPS equipped tractors and others; all of which pose significant advantage and usefulness where optimised. It was concluded that technology infrastructure optimization is useful and serves the developmental goals of Nigerian agro-allied SMEs with regards to competitiveness, innovativeness and survival in the business context of the 21st century.