Background of the Study: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data over the internet. In agriculture, IoT adoption has revolutionized farming practices by enabling real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, crop health, and equipment performance (Verma et al., 2024). Smart agricultural systems, driven by IoT, allow farmers to optimize irrigation, monitor soil moisture, and predict crop yields, leading to improved productivity and resource management (Singh & Kaur, 2023). As the global demand for food increases, the integration of IoT technologies is vital for boosting agricultural output while minimizing resource wastage, reducing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency (Oluwaseun et al., 2024).
In Yobe State, agriculture remains the primary economic activity, with many farmers and agribusinesses struggling to enhance productivity due to challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and inconsistent weather patterns. The adoption of smart agriculture systems through IoT technology offers a promising solution to these challenges. However, the level of IoT adoption among agricultural businesses in Yobe State is still relatively low, primarily due to high implementation costs, technical barriers, and limited awareness of the benefits. This study aims to explore the impact of IoT adoption on operational efficiency in smart agricultural businesses in Yobe State, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and outcomes of IoT integration.
Statement of the Problem: Agricultural businesses in Yobe State face significant operational inefficiencies, which are compounded by unpredictable environmental factors, limited access to resources, and outdated farming techniques. IoT technology has the potential to enhance operational efficiency by providing real-time data and insights that enable better decision-making. However, many agricultural businesses in Yobe State have been slow to adopt IoT solutions due to financial constraints, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to technological change. This study seeks to assess how IoT adoption affects operational efficiency and agricultural productivity in the region, providing insights into the barriers and opportunities for wider implementation.
Objectives of the Study:
1. To evaluate the impact of IoT adoption on operational efficiency in smart agricultural businesses in Yobe State.
2. To explore the role of IoT in improving resource management, crop monitoring, and yield prediction in Yobe State’s agricultural sector.
3. To identify the challenges and opportunities associated with IoT adoption in Yobe State's agricultural businesses.
Research Questions:
1. How does IoT adoption affect operational efficiency in smart agricultural businesses in Yobe State?
2. In what ways does IoT technology improve resource management, crop monitoring, and yield prediction in agricultural businesses in Yobe State?
3. What are the challenges faced by agricultural businesses in Yobe State in adopting IoT technologies?
Research Hypotheses:
1. IoT adoption significantly enhances operational efficiency in smart agricultural businesses in Yobe State.
2. The integration of IoT technology leads to better resource management, crop monitoring, and yield prediction in Yobe State’s agricultural businesses.
3. Agricultural businesses in Yobe State face significant challenges in adopting IoT technologies due to factors such as cost, lack of technical skills, and infrastructure limitations.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on smart agricultural businesses in Yobe State, investigating the role of IoT in improving operational efficiency. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data, challenges in accessing proprietary data from businesses, and the need to generalize findings to the broader agricultural sector.
Definitions of Terms:
• Internet of Things (IoT): A network of connected devices that collect and exchange data through the internet, enabling smart systems for monitoring and control.
• Operational Efficiency: The ability of a business or system to maximize output while minimizing input and resource consumption.
• Smart Agriculture: The use of advanced technologies such as IoT, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming practices and improve productivity.
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Chapter One: Introduction