Can adoption of digital technologies ease household burdens? New evidence from West Africa using a C-S ARDL approach

Abstract

Technology adoption is essential for sustainable development, particularly in shaping a country’s growth. While many studies have explored technology use in sub-Saharan Africa, few have examined how it affects household burdens in West Africa. This study fills that gap by analyzing the impact of technology adoption on household burdens across 12 West African countries between 1996 and 2020. It focuses on four key technologies: mobile and cellular use, internet access, clean fuel and cooking technologies, and electricity access. Using a panel data analysis method (the pooled mean group estimator of the ARDL model), the study finds that, in the long run, increased internet use, clean fuels, and access to electricity significantly reduce household burdens. However, in the short term, the effects of clean fuels and electricity access are not statistically significant. Overall, the results show that technology adoption can reduce household burdens, but the extent of its impact varies by country, depending on how widely and effectively the technology is adopted. The study highlights the need for strong policies that promote infrastructure development, technology access, and user acceptance—especially for internet services, clean fuels, and modern cooking technologies—to improve household well-being in the region.