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Digital and Sustainable Innovations in Agribusiness

Introduction

Addressing climate change and ensuring the long-term availability of vital natural resources heavily relies on advancing agribusiness practices. Optimal progress necessitates introducing innovative products or implementing novel systems/methods that enhance profitability, efficiency, and productivity while attaining sustainable outcomes throughout the industry. The adoption of an agribusiness innovation approach by farmers facilitates strategic development infused with inventive concepts for bringing new agricultural products to market, which crucially grants them a competitive edge. By reducing waste, maximizing resource utilization, and raising yields, it increases productivity and efficiency in the production of food. An invention is developing a new product or technology, such as an innovative agricultural machine, throughout the innovation process. Usually, inventions are the foundation for innovation, turning an idea into something valuable and practical for the agriculture industry. Conversely, innovation turns an idea into a usable product that promotes positive change and attends to particular agricultural requirements or difficulties.

Digital and sustainable innovation involves developing and deploying digital technologies that promote sustainable agriculture and improve the overall productivity, efficiency, productivity, and environmental impact of agribusiness processes. It entails using digital technologies, automation, and networking to address economic or environmental challenges in agriculture. Precision agriculture uses digital technology, including drones, to maximize resource consumption in farming operations. Furthermore, due to its effectiveness, farmers employ mobile money services as a sustainable innovation in agriculture.

Digital Innovation in Agribusiness

Drone Case Study in the Netherlands

Drones Flying Above Maize Farm in the Netherlands

Figure 1: Drones Flying Above Maize Farm in the Netherlands

The agribusiness sector is undergoing a revolution while adopting an innovation strategy to help them determine specific areas that need implementation innovation to achieve corporate goals and agricultural productivity. Drone usage in agriculture has been widely adopted in the Netherlands as a sustainable solution to overcome issues including stringent environmental restrictions, expensive labour, and scarce agricultural land (Singh, 2023). The country’s relatively small land area and dense population make it essential to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Drones provide a valuable tool for achieving these goals by enabling precise and data-driven farming practices that enhance agricultural sustainability and efficiency.

Advantages of Drones

Drones are innovative digital advancements in agribusiness, presenting many advantages and revolutionizing various aspects of agricultural operations. Drones’ role in precision agriculture is their ability to facilitate precise and targeted administration of agricultural inputs (Alexandris et al., 2021). GPS technology has enabled drones to autonomously navigate fields and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides precisely where needed. The underlying approach minimizes input wastage. It also diminishes the environmental impact and enhances cost-effectiveness. Moreover, drones with high-resolution cameras and sensors offer farmers aerial imagery of their agricultural fields. The invaluable visual information enables them to monitor closely, evaluate nutrient and crop health deficiencies, and determine diseases. By capturing detailed and real-time crop data, the innovative product empowers farmers to take necessary actions promptly. It also helps implement customized interventions when required and optimize crop management practices.

Drone Using GPS Technology to Detect Pests and Diseases In Tomato Farm

Figure 2: Drone Using GPS Technology to Detect Pests and Diseases In Tomato Farm

The agricultural landscape has experienced a significant shift due to the integration of drones into farming practices. These uncrewed aircraft boast an array of sophisticated functionalities, including spraying systems, digital cameras, and surveying technologies – all contributing to their transformative nature within the sector. Another notable advantage is their facilitating accurate and controlled pesticide and fertilizer application. By operating from aerial vantage points, drones ensure extensive crop coverage, reduced drift, and heightened efficiency, an advantageous alternative to traditional ground-based spraying methods (Alexandris et al., 2021). It not only minimizes chemical usage but also enhances worker safety by reducing their exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, Drones equipped with thermal and multispectral cameras can assess variations in soil moisture levels across fields. Farmers can optimize water usage, reduce water wastage by identifying areas that require irrigation, and ensure efficient irrigation practices. Drones help farmers make informed decisions regarding irrigation scheduling and targeted water application, contributing to water conservation and sustainability. Finally, drones equipped with mapping and surveying technologies assist in optimizing land usage, assessing drainage systems, and identifying areas prone to erosion or flooding. It can generate accurate topographic maps and 3D and digital elevation models (DEMs) of agricultural areas. These maps help in land surveying, management, and planning field layouts.

Disadvantages of Drones in Agribusiness

Drones used for agriculture may endanger airspace if they do not fly at a specific altitude. The drone should fly at a height of no more than 121 meters for agricultural applications (Leslie, 2023). Additionally, there are particular concerns associated with using drones close to sensitive sites and airfields such as airports and aerodromes; this drone should not ever fly near aeroplanes to prevent collisions since doing so is illegal and jeopardizes aircraft security while in flight. Further, these drones used in agribusiness are also condition-sensitive, making them more susceptible to bad weather. As a result, they should not fly while it is extremely humid or it is raining. The necessity to re-spray any pesticides in the upcoming years and the possibility of crashing, deteriorated image quality, or destroying the entire drone are some of the key justifications for avoiding utilizing drones in severe weather (Leslie, 2023).

Another drawback is that simple agriculture drones have short flight times, which renders them useless for large areas. According to statistics, a farming drone flies for 10 to 25 minutes, while a sophisticated drone’s flight may last up to half an hour (Leslie, 2023). Nevertheless, longer flight times are a feature of more costly aerial vehicles. Therefore, lightweight quadcopters sold in large quantities do not have very good batteries. Because of this, a sprayer or specialized camera on an agricultural drone adds more weight to the cargo during flight (Renita Danarianti, 2019). As a result, a farmer should anticipate a reduction in both the flight’s duration and the surface covered. Finally, drones for farming are ineffective for some crops and issues. Whenever slugs are an issue, a farmer cannot determine the extent of the pest invasion in the berry farm. Therefore, keeping an eye on this pest won’t be very useful in eliminating the slug issue on strawberry farms.

Lastly, drones for farming are inappropriate for inexperienced workers since they require specialized skills and expertise. In a perfect world, only licensed drone pilots could fly these crewless aircraft for in-field surveillance (Renita Danarianti, 2019). Therefore, anybody flying a drone must thoroughly understand agriculture drones, including how to design flight routes, capture digital photographs and data, conduct aerial surveys, and test flight equipment in a field. A specialist should also be familiar with drone repair or maintenance and data interpretation after creating maps from flight data.

Type of Innovation

Area Covered By A Single Drone

Figure 3: Area Covered By A Single Drone

Drone technology in the Netherlands as a sustainable agricultural solution can be categorized as product innovation. It is because drone technology is new or improved products using new technologies, which offer value, and add for the farmer. It also offers novel capabilities, leverages technological advancements, promotes sustainable practices, and enhances efficiency and productivity while providing cost-effective solutions for farmers. It is product innovation as it enables precision agriculture, which involves site-specific crop management (Alexandris et al., 2021). The collection of comprehensive data provided by this product offers invaluable insights into crop health dynamics as well as soil conditions and surrounding environmental factors. Empowered by these insights. Farmers can execute interventions with exceptional precision. Consequently, unnecessary resource consumption is significantly decreased while targeted treatments are strongly encouraged. Additionally, the approach results in a notable reduction in the overall environmental impact attributed to agricultural practices.

Implementing product innovation has completely transformed agricultural practices by introducing a new and distinctive approach previously inaccessible or limited in its capabilities. Although the use of drones in agriculture is still relatively recent, their integration as a sustainable solution has shown promise. Netherlands farmers are reaping the rewards of significant advancements made in drone technology tailored exclusively for agricultural purposes. Such advancements encompass increased efficiency, reliability, and accessibility of drones within their reach. The product innovation revolved around enhancing drone hardware, including flight stability enhancements and extended battery life options, expanding their abilities to carry larger payloads for agricultural applications. Moreover, noteworthy progress has been achieved in imaging technology development alongside sensor improvement and data processing algorithm upgrades that have incredibly empowered drone effectiveness when it comes to crop monitoring as well as spraying activities on farms.

Detected Weeds in Spinach Farm by Drone (Image (a) Original Image and (b) detected weeds in red dots) (Aslan et al., 2022)

Figure 4: Detected Weeds in Spinach Farm by Drone (Image (a) Original Image and (b) detected weeds in red dots) (Aslan et al., 2022)

Introducing innovative products has allowed drones to contribute significantly towards sustainable agricultural solutions in the Netherlands. Drones effectively address various environmental challenges due to their precision capabilities that enable targeted spraying. They help in reducing the utilization of pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing potential harm caused to ecosystems. Additionally, drones provide real-time data on crop health and growth patterns empowering farmers with vital information that aids them in making informed decisions and maximizing resource efficiency while minimizing wastage. Although an initial investment is required for drones, their long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive solution for agribusiness. Drones can reduce labour and operational costs associated with traditional agricultural practices. For instance, they can be utilized instead of manual crop monitoring and spraying, saving time and decreasing reliance on large machinery or manual labour. Moreover, the innovative technology incorporated in drones allows farmers to execute tasks more efficiently. It led to improved crop management, timely interventions, and increased productivity. Drones’ aerial perspective enables them to cover large areas quickly, offering timely and accurate information. The implementation of drones optimizes farming practices and minimizes resource waste, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural production.

Dimensions

Content Dimension

In sustainable agriculture, drones play a tangible role known as the content dimension. They serve as physical tools or technology applied within the framework. The unique aspect of these agricultural embodiments lies within their advanced sensory capabilities, cameras documenting what they see or gathering information through complex data systems. Also, forming an essential part of these data systems is the retrieval of utmost importance. It catches timely glimpses into crop health and alpha-resolution aerial photography or offers real-time data, meaning the use of the data is seamless. Naturally, the farmer receives guidance in irrigation and fertilizer influence.

Subjective Dimension

The subjective component encompasses personal viewpoints, attitudes, and encounters tied to drone advancement in sustainable agriculture. Specifically designed for multiple beneficiaries involved in the agricultural field, including farmers striving for efficiency enhancement, influential researchers promoting innovation, reputable consultants facilitating progress, supportive supply companies ensuring feasibility, and committed environmental organizations advocating sustainability –the adoption of drones represents a significant technological leap forward. The cutting-edge tool empowers farmers by supplying them with instantaneous information on crop well-being factors such as health assessments, accurate records documenting soil attributes, and recommendations on water utilization.

Drones have become a powerful tool for farmers when deciding about irrigation methods, fertilization approaches, and pest control measures. These informed choices have beneficial effects on both productivity levels and cost reductions within farming operations as a whole. It is due to these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which boost the efficiency within the agricultural sector. Researchers are also reaping numerous advantages from using drones in their work related to agriculture.

Data collection becomes more efficient than ever with drones allowing researchers access crucial insight into critical aspects such as crop growth monitoring or studying plant health conditions over time while considering critical eco-friendly factors that influence the agricultural system. These contributions ensure that progress continues being made in areas such as crop science advancement and the development and implementation of precise agricultural techniques while continually striving towards more sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, the utilization of drones is crucial in monitoring and managing the environmental impact within the field of agriculture. This technology allows environmental organizations to effectively assess various factors such as soil quality, forest health, and water conditions. By doing so, it promotes sustainable agricultural practices that aim to minimize any adversities caused to the environment.

In addition to that, Agricultural consultants can make use of drones to provide farmers with specialized services and valuable advice for enhancing their farming techniques and practices. They analyze drone-collected data to provide tailored recommendations for optimizing crop management, improving resource allocation, and implementing sustainable practices.

Drones thus enhance consultants’ capabilities, providing their clients with more accurate and data-driven insights. Finally, agribusinesses that provide agricultural inputs can benefit from drone technology as drones assist in assessing the effectiveness of products, evaluating crop performance, and identifying areas requiring intervention. It thus helps agricultural supply companies better serve farmers’ needs and enhance their product offerings.

Process-Related Dimension

The process-related dimension focuses on the operational and procedural aspects of incorporating drone technology into sustainable agricultural practices. The starting point of the innovation of agricultural drones in the Netherlands is from the early adoption and experimentation phase. Drone technology was first explored and tested by researchers, agricultural experts, and pioneering farmers who recognized its potential for improving agricultural practices. They develop prototypes, conduct trials, and gather data to assess the benefits or feasibility of using drones in agriculture. Next, the innovation process moved into the development and expansion phase, which involved refining drone technologies and improving flight stability, payload capacity, battery life, and data processing capabilities.

The development phase included the integration of advanced technologies, such as sensors and cameras, to enhance agricultural drones’ data collection and analysis capabilities. Afterwards, in the course of innovation advancement came broad acceptance and commercialization of agricultural drones across Netherlands’ farms. Farmers and agribusinesses promptly recognized how these unmanned aerial machines could effectively improve efficiency through optimal resource allocation while promoting sustainability concurrently. Consequently, multiple entities specializing in manufacturing commercially viable drones surfaced, catering precisely to meet this ever-growing requirement from farmers. These entities today boast an extensive portfolio encompassing several drone models alongside relevant accessories, all adapted exclusively for use within agrarian settings. Finally, the innovation of agricultural drones in the Netherlands continues by developing more sophisticated drone models, enhanced data analytics capabilities, and integration with more upcoming technologies, including IoT and AI.

Normative Dimension

The normative dimension encompasses the success of the new innovative technology on the market. Agricultural drones have been successful in the market in the Netherlands. The adoption and utilization of agricultural drones have gained significant traction in the country’s agricultural sector because of several factors. Firstly, agricultural drones have showcased their effectiveness and benefits in improving agricultural practices as farmers and agribusinesses have witnessed increased efficiency, enhanced crop monitoring, improved resource management, and higher yields through drones. Secondly, the continuous advancements in drone technology have contributed to their success in the market, making drones become more sophisticated, reliable, and user-friendly. They offer advanced technological features that have made drones more valuable and appealing to farmers, leading to their successful adoption.

Thirdly, the Netherlands has fostered a supportive ecosystem for agricultural innovation, including drone technology, as research institutions, agricultural organizations, and government initiatives promote the use of drones in agriculture. A supportive ecosystem contributes to the success of agricultural drones in the market. Fourth, the same market for agricultural drones is supported by a range of service providers, manufacturers, and technology companies offering comprehensive solutions and support, facilitating the successful integration of drones into farming operations. Lastly, efforts to educate farmers about the benefits and usage of agricultural drones have played a significant role in their successful adoption, where various training programs and information campaigns have been conducted to raise awareness of the potential of drones in agriculture.

Drivers of Innovation

Technological development acts as a driver of innovation in the agriculture drone industry in the Netherlands. It has led to the development of drones with enhanced capabilities, improved data processing and analysis, integration with other technologies, miniaturization and cost reduction, and advancements in battery technology. Technological advancements such as flight stability, payload capacity, battery life, and manoeuvrability have led to the development of drones with improved capabilities specifically designed for agriculture. Agricultural drones’ flight time and operational efficiency have significantly improved with the development of high-performance and longer-lasting batteries.

Drone Flying With Powerful Battery

Figure 5: Drone Flying With Powerful Battery

The innovation in battery technology has made it more practical and viable to use drones for agricultural applications. Additionally, technological advancements have led to the miniaturization of drone components and reduced manufacturing costs, fostering greater adoption and integration into existing agricultural practices. The integration of drones with other emerging technologies has further enhanced their capabilities. Creating new opportunities for sustainable agricultural solutions. These advancements have greatly expanded the potential and effectiveness of agricultural drones empowering farmers to adopt data-driven practices for improved agricultural outcomes.

Sustainable Innovation in Agribusiness

Mobile Money Service Case Study in Nigeria

Babban Gona Using Money Mobile Services

Figure 6: Babban Gona Using Money Mobile Services

Given Nigeria’s high population and lack of extensive banking services, there was a great potential for mobile money services to succeed. Rural Nigerians often faced limited options for traditional banking services. It generated a demand for a convenient and secure substitute. Nevertheless, these services arose as a response to address the divide. The partnership between Babban Gona and Paga, Nigeria’s leading mobile payment provider, can be seen as an example to study. The two companies have developed a comprehensive digital solution that combines mobile money services with support for agricultural enterprises. Small-scale producers who are users of Babban Gona can receive their payouts directly into their Paga wallets. It provides farmers with a secure and convenient method of receiving their earnings.

Mobile money services streamline financial transactions and improve efficiency in agribusiness operations. Digital payments and financial record-keeping systems enable farmers to accurately track their income and expenses. According to Paga (2023), it promotes transparency, accountability, and better financial management practices. By enabling efficient financial operations, mobile money services contribute to the sustainability of agribusinesses by reducing waste, minimizing errors, and improving overall productivity. Mobile money services also minimize the reliance on cash transactions in agribusiness operations. By facilitating digital payments, mobile money services offer a safer and more efficient alternative. It reduces the risks associated with cash transactions and improves financial management for stakeholders in the agribusiness value chain.

PAGA Teaming Up with VISA to Deliver Financial Services to Farmers

Figure 7: PAGA Teaming Up with VISA to Deliver Financial Services to Farmers

Mobile money services often integrate with financial institutions and insurance providers, offering farmers and agribusinesses access to credit facilities and insurance products. Farmers can access working capital through digital platforms, purchase inputs, and invest in their agricultural activities. Insurance products linked to mobile money services protect farmers against weather-related risks and other unforeseen circumstances, contributing to their long-term financial sustainability. Some mobile money services provide value-added features such as market information and advisory services (Paga, 2023). Farmers can receive real-time updates on market prices, weather conditions, and best agricultural practices through their mobile phones. This information empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimize their farming operations, and improve their profitability.

Mobile money services have expanded access to financial services for farmers and agribusinesses, especially in rural areas with limited traditional banking infrastructure. Mobile money services encourage financial inclusion and empower people to engage in formal financial systems by offering a safe and convenient platform for conducting financial transactions. It helps to close the divide between those without access to banks and financial services. Its incorporation helps farmers and agribusinesses economically by offering them chances for cost savings, access to credit, and investment opportunities. Mobile money services help to promote environmental sustainability by reducing the need for physical cash and associated paperwork. The adoption of digital financial transactions in the agricultural industry helps decrease the use of paper, energy consumption, and carbon emissions linked to traditional banking methods.

The disadvantage of Mobile Money Services in Nigeria

Mobile money services promote financial inclusion and empower individuals to participate in formal financial systems by providing a secure and convenient platform for conducting monetary transactions. They grant people the ability to use financial services that were previously unavailable. This helps to bridge the gap between individuals who lack access to banks and financial services. This integration benefits farmers and agribusinesses financially by providing them with opportunities to save on costs, access credit, and make investments. Mobile money services contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing the reliance on physical currency and the accompanying paperwork. The implementation of digital financial transactions in agriculture reduces the reliance on paper, energy usage, and carbon emissions associated with traditional banking practices. However, relying on agents can introduce operational challenges, including agent availability, trustworthiness, and liquidity management. These challenges can impact the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the mobile money service (David-West & Nwagwu, 2018).

In Nigeria, a significant portion of the population needs access to mobile phones or reliable internet connectivity, which restricts the reach and effectiveness of mobile money services, particularly in rural areas where agribusiness activities are prevalent. Also, farmers and agribusiness stakeholders in the country have limited financial literacy and may need help understanding and navigating these services effectively. Lack of knowledge about transaction fees, account management, and potential risks may hinder their ability to utilize mobile money services to their full potential. Nigeria further faces infrastructural challenges, like inadequate network coverage in remote areas, which can impede the seamless functioning of these services and lead to transaction delays, failures, or frustration among users.

Another disadvantage is that mobile money platforms can be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Inadequate security measures and awareness among users can expose their financial information and transactions to risks, undermining trust in the system and discouraging adoption. While mobile money services offer convenience, they often come with transaction charges. For small-scale farmers with limited resources, these costs can significantly impact their profitability and discourage them from utilizing mobile money services as payment and financial management tools. Finally, mobile money services primarily focus on basic financial transactions, yet the agribusiness sector may require more advanced financial services, like credit facilities, insurance, and investment options. The limited range of services provided through mobile money platforms can constrain the growth and development of agribusinesses in Nigeria.

Type of Innovation

The partnership between Babban Gona and Paga revolutionized agribusiness solutions in Nigeria by introducing innovative mobile money services. Paga implemented an extensive agent network to introduce a complete mobile money solution. It allowed convenient money transfers using mobile devices, streamlined bill payment and integration with merchants, formed strategic alliances and strongly emphasized technology and security (Soetan, Mogaji & Nguyen, 2021). Paga was able to transform the agribusiness financial industry completely. Providing effective and convenient solutions for farmers, suppliers, and other industry participants.

Paga Mobile Money Service for all Nigerians

Figure 8: Paga Mobile Money Service for all Nigerians

Initially, Paga created a wide-reaching group of agents throughout Nigeria who serve as middlemen connecting the Paga platform with farmers. These agents usually work in the same areas where agribusinesses and farmers are based (David-West & Nwagwu, 2018). Farmers can conveniently add money to their Paga accounts or access funds whenever necessary. According to Paga (2023), this offers a convenient and accessible way for financial transactions in the agricultural business. Paga implemented a mobile wallet system alongside its network of agents. This platform enables farmers and agribusinesses to establish digital accounts connected to mobile phone numbers. To create a Paga account, farmers can go to a Paga agent, provide their basic identification details, and register their mobile phone numbers. It gives them a safe and customized mobile wallet for conducting financial transactions.

Paga Safe Financial Transaction

Figure 9: Paga Safe Financial Transaction

Paga revolutionized the way mobile money is transferred. Farmers can easily send money to other Paga users or even individuals who do not have a Paga account by using their mobile phones. Without the need for in-person currency transactions, the Paga platform offers an easy way for agricultural enterprises to stakeholders. The procedure lowers the cash handling hazards and provides a more effective and safe way to transmit money throughout the agriculture value chain. Additionally, Paga has added merchant integration and bill payment to its list of services (Soetan, Mogaji & Nguyen, 2021). It implies that agricultural firms may utilize the platform to manage various financial operations, such as paying utility bills and buying inputs. The connection makes financial administration for agribusinesses easier by streamlining payment processes, ensuring fast payments, and providing a digital record of transactions.

Paga also formed strategic partnerships with banking institutions and microfinance organizations, making it easier for farmers to connect their Paga accounts. They easily connect with their current bank accounts, allowing seamless compatibility and interaction. The implemented system enables smooth transfers between Paga and conventional banking systems. It makes financial services more convenient and accessible for agricultural businesses. Paga places high importance on technology and security measures to safeguard users’ funds and personal information. Paga ensures the safety of transactions and user data by implementing strong security measures and encryption protocols. The financial services for agribusinesses are made easily accessible through user-friendly interfaces, including mobile applications.

Dimensions

Content Dimension

The PAGA mobile money services technology in Nigeria has tangible technological aspects and features such as a mobile wallet, application, USSD codes, and transaction capabilities; PAGA offers users a mobile wallet, which is a digital account linked to their mobile phone numbers that serve as a secure and personalized space where farmers can store money and perform financial transactions (Southwood, 2022). PAGA also provides a mobile application that users can download and install on their smartphones. The mobile application is convenient for users to carry out transactions, monitor their account balances, and control their mobile wallets. Users can also access their mobile wallets on PAGA using USSD codes besides the mobile app. USSD codes are convenient short numeric combinations that farmers can input on mobile phones to access specific services. The feature allows individuals without smartphones or internet access to use PAGA’s mobile money services.

Subjective Dimension

Nigeria’s PAGA mobile money services technology is a recent development benefiting unbanked farmers, rural communities, and small-scale agribusinesses. PAGA revolutionized access to financial services for farmers and agribusinesses with limited options. PAGA’s mobile money services focus specifically on reaching out to farmers in Nigeria who lack access to traditional banking options. Farmers using PAGA can easily and safely manage their money, make payments, and complete financial transactions through mobile phones. PAGA’s technology provides many unbanked farmers with their initial introduction to mobile money services. PAGA’s technology is revolutionary in rural Nigerian communities, where banking infrastructure is scarce (Lepoutre & Oguntoye, 2018). These communities often encounter difficulties conducting financial transactions, receiving payments, or obtaining credit. PAGA’s services help connect the divide by offering an easy and convenient platform for conducting financial transactions. Lastly, it specifically caters to small-scale agribusinesses frequently encountering difficulties in obtaining financial services. The PAGA system lets them receive digital payments from food buyers and easily monitor their transactions.

Process-Related Dimension

PAGAs mobile money services for farmers in Nigeria have undergone several steps to foster innovation. The development of these services took into account the distinct financial needs and challenges farmers face. These challenges include limited access to banking facilities. Other challenges are difficulty receiving payments and a need for tailored financial services. PAGA acknowledged these obstacles and set out to design a mobile money solution. Additionally, various strategies were employed during the implementation phase to ensure seamless execution. PAGA then developed and launched mobile money services specifically tailored for farmers. They developed the mobile application by incorporating important characteristics and establishing collaborations with key players in the agricultural industry, such as farmer cooperatives, agricultural input suppliers, and government initiatives. Furthermore, during the adoption and implementation stage, PAGA implemented mobile money services for farmers and promoted their usage. PAGA organized various initiatives such as awareness campaigns, workshops, and targeted outreach programs to educate farmers about the advantages and features of mobile money services. The goal is to advocate for adopting PAGA services among farmers for their financial transactions.

Drivers of Innovation

In Nigeria’s agricultural industry, the vibrant business climate is essential for fostering innovation and deploying PAGA services. The environment is characterized by steadily changing consumer needs and escalating competition. PAGA must continuously innovate and set itself apart to acquire a competitive edge. The vibrant economic climate promotes cooperation and collaboration among members of the agriculture ecosystem.

Paga User Making Financial Transaction

Figure 10: Paga User Making Financial Transaction

PAGA can increase its reach, enhance its service offerings, and deliver a holistic solution that meets the agricultural industry’s varied demands by using this ecosystem’s collaborative potential. In addition to the collaborative ecosystem, it reflects changing consumer behaviour, particularly the shift towards digital and mobile-based financial transactions, which drove PAGA to innovate accessible financial services, especially in rural areas. The dynamic business environment is marked by rapid technological advancements, particularly in mobile and financial technologies, driving PAGA to leverage these advancements to develop and deploy its mobile money services (Lepoutre & Oguntoye, 2018). These factors create an environment ripe for developing and implementing innovative financial solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the agricultural industry.

Conclusion

In summary, drone technology in the Netherlands and PAGA mobile money services in Nigeria are innovations that offer sustainable agricultural solutions. The Netherlands has fully embraced drone technology as a new and innovative tool in the agriculture sector. These drones transform the farming industry by gathering essential data on crops, soil conditions, and environmental elements through their implementation. Precision farming techniques become possible. Resulting in optimal resource management. Higher crop yields and a diminished environmental footprint. Conversely, Nigeria’s PAGA services serve as an exemplary instance of process innovation for agribusiness solutions by harnessing the power of mobile technology and digital platforms. PAGA tackles the financial inclusion difficulties farmers, rural communities, and small businesses face. By utilizing PAGA’s mobile money services, individuals are afforded a secure and convenient platform for their financial transactions – including money storage, payment capabilities, and access to supplementary services. The insightful process innovation ultimately enhances financial access levels while promoting efficiency and transparency within the agricultural value chain, benefiting farmers and facilitating economic growth. It is imperative that agribusinesses wholeheartedly adopt innovation in order to capitalize on technology’s potential. Its proactive approach toward addressing challenges head-on and fostering growth can create a more sustainable future for agriculture.

References

Alexandris, S., Psomiadis, E., Proutsos, N., Philippopoulos, P., Charalampopoulos, I., Kakaletris, G., … & Paraskevopoulos, A. (2021). Integrating drone technology into an innovative agrometeorological methodology for the precise and real-time estimation of crop water requirements. Hydrology8(3), 131.

Aslan, M. F., Durdu, A., Sabanci, K., Ropelewska, E., & Gültekin, S. S. (2022). A comprehensive survey of the recent studies with UAV for precision agriculture in open fields and greenhouses. Applied Sciences12(3), 1047.

David-West, O., & Nwagwu, I. (2018). SDGs and digital financial services (DFS) entrepreneurship: challenges and opportunities in Africa’s largest economy. Entrepreneurship and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Lepoutre, J., & Oguntoye, A. (2018). The (non-) emergence of mobile money systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A comparative multilevel perspective of Kenya and Nigeria. Technological Forecasting and Social Change131, 262-275.

Leslie, J. (2023, April 21). Disadvantages of Drone Surveying: Understanding the Cons. Drone Surveys. https://dronesurveyservices.com/drawbacks-of-drone-surveying/#:~:text=Drones%20can%20be%20expensive%20to,flying%20time%20of%20most%20drones

Paga. (2023). Send money, pay bills, receive payments. Paga | Making Life Possible. https://www.mypaga.com/paga-web/customer/static/company/news?selectedPage=_banking_1_0

Renita Danarianti, R. (2019). Developing Responsible Commercial Drone Technology: Balancing the Regulation and Innovation: A case study of commercial drone manufacturers in the Netherlands.

Singh, A. (2023, May 24). Adoption of drones in agriculture – challenges and prospects. Sathguru Management Consultants. https://blog.sathguru.com/agri-stimulus/adoption-of-drones-in-agriculture-challenges-and-prospects/

Soetan, T. O., Mogaji, E., & Nguyen, N. P. (2021). Financial services experience and consumption in Nigeria. Journal of Services Marketing35(7), 947-961.

Southwood, R. (2022). Mobile money: From transferring cash by SMS to a digital payments ecosystem (2000–20). In Africa 2.0 (pp. 109–132). Manchester University Press.

 

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