TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE TRADERS IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The world has gone global and every aspect of human life is influenced by technology. Adopting technology can be way to improve business performance among women who dominate the informal sector. However, how well technology has been embraced by these women in this sector cannot be explained given the low level of business performance. There were six research questions raised to guide the study which was conducted using survey design. The population of the study consisted of all women in the informal sector in Oyo State, Nigeria out of which 240 women were sampled using multistage sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire which was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) as well as inferential statistics (logistic regression). The finding of the study indicated that 66.7% of the women do not have internet enabled device while those who have, 35% used the device for communication while 22% use their device for financial transactions. There was a significant effect of technological adoption on the performance of the businesses owned by the women. The inability to adopt technology was due to several identified factors. It was concluded that adopting technology can drive the performance of female traders in the informal sector in Oyo State. Adequate awareness and training was recommended by trade groups and the government to enable the women embrace technology for improved business performance in the State.