Can technology in terms of finance, environment, and communication boost food production while facilitating a low-carbon transition? Evidence from a high-tech and low-tech state

The need to revamp the food system to combat climate change is growing. This initiative faces a major challenge: redesigning the agricultural system to increase food production (FOP) and attain sustainable development objectives simultaneously. Information and communication technologies (ICT), financial innovations, and environmental technology define a global community of shared futures, making it essential to consider whether these technologies can equally “enhance food production and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions” in agriculture in high-tech and low-tech states. The study examined the direct and indirect effects of these technologies on food production in China and Nigeria using the ARDL model. We controlled for climate factors such as precipitation, agricultural emissions, and temperature, plus agricultural factors like fertilizer consumption and land use. The findings indicate the following: 1) Financial innovation has a dual effect of increasing food production and decreasing agricultural emissions in both states. 2) Environmental technology lessens agricultural emissions in China but confirmed a dual role in Nigeria. 3) ICT directly increases (decreases) food production in China (Nigeria) as well as harms environmental quality in both states. The study found positive impact of land use, fertilizer consumption, and temperature on food production. Moreover, causality outcomes confirm the agricultural sector's environmental impact. To promote sustainable agriculture, the research suggested government and financial institutions lease agriculture machinery and offer internet based interest-free financing.