Assessing factors influencing the adoption of the digital cooperative supervision management information system among agricultural and marketing co-operative societies in Tabora region, Tanzania

Abstract

The adoption of digital technologies in cooperative management is increasingly recognized as a strategic solution to governance and operational inefficiencies among Agricultural and Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) in Tanzania. Despite the introduction of the Digital Co-operative Supervision Management Information System (Mfumo wa Usimamizi wa Vyama vya Ushirika – MUVU), adoption remains uneven across AMCOS. This study investigates factors influencing MUVU adoption in Tabora Region using a descriptive cross-sectional design and binary logistic regression analysis. Primary data were collected from 100 AMCOS leaders and staff through structured questionnaires, capturing organizational, technological, institutional, and socio-cultural factors. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of each predictor on the likelihood of MUVU system adoption, with results expressed as odds ratios. Findings indicate that 63.4% of surveyed AMCOS have adopted MUVU system, while 36.6% have not. Significant determinants included education level of leaders and staff, digital literacy, institutional support and enforcement, financial capability, and alignment with technological advancements. Notably, educated leadership increased the odds of adoption nearly fourfold (Exp(B) = 3.789), while a unit increase in digital literacy raised the likelihood of adoption by approximately 12% (Exp(B) = 1.123). The study concludes that successful MUVU adoption depends primarily on the digital readiness and competencies of AMCOS leadership and staff, supported by institutional backing and sufficient financial resources. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted digital literacy training, strategic investment in ICT infrastructure, and the enforcement of supportive policies to enhance adoption rates. This research provides empirical insight into the relative importance of internal capacity and external institutional factors as key drivers of digital system adoption among AMCOS. Proceedings of the 8th CUK Annual Scientific Conference, 2025, on Co-operatives Build a Better World: Re-energizing the Collective Power of Co-operatives in Africa. 229 Finally, these findings offer practical guidance for policymakers, cooperative leaders, and stakeholders seeking to strengthen digital transformation initiatives. Future research should explore long-term adoption outcomes across diverse cooperative environments.