A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Policy, Legal, and Technical Barriers to the Adoption of AI and IoT-Driven Agricultural Solutions in the East African Community (EAC)

The agricultural sector in East Africa faces critical challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, and poverty, which threaten the economic stability and sustainability of the region. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer transformative potential to address these challenges by optimizing resource use, improving productivity, and building resilience to climate change. However, the widespread adoption of these technologies within the East African Community (EAC) is hindered by inadequate digital infrastructure, fragmented policy frameworks, skill gaps, and financial barriersThis study adopts a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 3,600 stakeholders in six EAC countries with qualitative interviews involving policymakers, farmers, technology developers, and infrastructure providers. The findings reveal significant barriers, such as poor internet connectivity, high technology costs, and regulatory fragmentation. Nevertheless, opportunities exist in regions with improved connectivity, targeted capacity-building programs, and supportive policy environmentsThis research uniquely contributes to the literature by offering a region-specific analysis of AI and IoT adoption in agriculture, addressing the interplay of technical, policy, and socioeconomic factors. Actionable recommendations include harmonizing regional policies to facilitate technology importation and local innovation, providing subsidies and tax incentives to reduce costs, and implementing inclusive capacity-building programs such as e-learning platforms and on-site training. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector actors, and development partners to foster a technology-driven agricultural transformation in East Africa. Future research should examine the long-term socioeconomic impacts of these technologies and prioritize equitable access, particularly for marginalized groups.