Abstract
This study examines the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and their effects on women’s empowerment and agricultural productivity within the maize value chain in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A survey design was employed using a multistage sampling technique; five wards, Zonkwa, Madakiya, Gidan Jatau, Zango Urban, and Kamantan were purposively selected based on their intensity of maize-related activities. At the final stage, 100 women were randomly drawn (20 per ward). Data were collected through validated structured questionnaires and interviews. Variables captured included socio-economic characteristics, adoption of AI tools (mobile weather apps, simple yield prediction software, mobile money platforms, digital marketplaces, and pest and disease diagnostic tools), productivity outcomes, empowerment indicators, and adoption constraints. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and empowerment indices were used for analysis. Findings revealed that about 62% of respondents adopted at least one AI tool, with mobile platforms (65%) and digital marketplace (60%) most widely used. Logit regression revealed that education level (p < 0.05), access to extension service (< 0.01), and farm size (p < 0.05) significantly influenced adoption. OLS estimates indicated that adoption of AI tools significantly improved market access, productivity, decision-making autonomy, and financial inclusion. However, adoption levels were modest due to constraints including high costs of smartphones and data, limited digital literacy, and weak extension support. The study concludes that AI tools significantly empower women while transforming the maize value chain (farming, processing and marketing). Recommendations include subsidizing digital access, enhancing digital literacy, expanding credit facilities, and improving rural infrastructure and extension services.