This study assessed from farm to orbit: leveraging digital technology for Nigerian egusi seeds and the future of space nutrition. The diffusion of innovations theory was anchored in this study. The methodology of this study was anchored on the pragmatist research philosophy. In line with this, the study adopted a mixed-methods research design, combining survey-based quantitative analysis with qualitative interviews. The population of the study consisted of agricultural researchers, nutritionists, and digital technology experts in Nigeria, estimated at 1,240 professionals according to the 2023 records of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST, 2023). The sample size of 300 respondents was derived using Yamane’s (1967) formula for determining sample sizes from finite populations at a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error, ensuring representativeness and reliability. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure inclusivity across three key strata: agricultural scientists, digital technology specialists, and nutrition/food policy experts, thereby capturing the interdisciplinary nature of the study. Primary data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires for the quantitative phase and semi-structured interviews for the qualitative phase, ensuring both standardized responses and in-depth perspectives. For analysis, quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics and inferential tools such as regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between digital technologies and egusi’s adaptability, while qualitative data were analysed thematically to uncover cultural narratives and perceptions about egusi in global food systems. The findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed on the nutritional richness and adaptive capacity of egusi seeds, with quantitative data showing high mean scores (≈3.5/4) and qualitative interviews emphasizing its resilience to poor soils, short maturation cycle, and versatility in diets, suggesting that egusi has the potential to be a sustainable food source in space-based environments. The study concluded that egusi’s nutritional richness and adaptive resilience make it a strong candidate for sustainable food supply in both local contexts and future space-based environments. The study recommended that The Nigerian Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) should prioritize research and development of egusi as a sustainable crop for both local food security and space-based nutrition.
Wodu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.