Access and application of information and communication technology (ICT) among farming households of south east Nigeria

摘要

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) usage in Nigeria has gone a long way but despite its existence, there seems to exist limited access and utilisation of the technologies among farmers in south-East Nigeria. Consequent upon this, the study analysed the access and application of information and communication technology (ICT) among farmers of South East farmers, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selection of 240 Farmers for the study. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to achieve objectives i, ii, and iii. The result of the analysis showed that 62.50% of farmers were males and married (84.17%) with average household size of 7 persons. Also, majority (45.42%) of the farmers completed primary education. Further analysis revealed that although many ICT facilities exist; radio, television and phones sourced personally from open market were the most readily available ICT facilities owned, accessed, and utilized by most farmers. Consequently, the level of access and utilization of these facilities were found to be generally low among the respondents as the mean access (1.2) and utilisation (1.8). The result further showed that information on physical farm measurement (2.6), how to estimate farm output (2.7), new varieties of seeds and seedling (x=2.6), best planting techniques (x=2.6) and use of fertilizer (x = 2.8) were the identified major areas extension agents applied ICTs in facilitating agricultural activities by extension agents as use of fertilizer (x = 2.5) was the major area ICTs facilitated agricultural activities for the farmers. Based on the findings, the study recommended the strengthening of the use of contemporary ICTs (phones, internet, etc.) rather than conventional ICTs such as radio and television, provision of adequate training on the use of ICTs for farmers, and extension agents and other agricultural stakeholders.