Constraints to the use of ICT tools in Anambra State, Nigeria
1 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Anambra State, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 2023, 04(01), 255–265.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijstra.2023.4.1.0147
Publication history:
Received on 02 December 2023; revised on 05 March 2023; accepted on 08 March 2023
Abstract:
The study investigated whether there are some constraints to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multi-stage, purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 120 rice farmers for the study. The data was collected with a well-structured questionnaire, and analyzed with descriptive statistics and mean scores from the 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed that the majority (60%) of the respondents were males with a good level of education and a mean age of about 49 years among other socioeconomic profiles. With regards to information needs, the study found that the majority (90.80%) of the farmers needed information on pests and disease management, followed by information on appropriate planting dates and techniques (87.50%), among others. Major sources of agricultural information among the rice farmers were fellow farmers or progressive farmers (98.30%), extension agents (87.50%), and mobile phones (84.20%). However, farmers preferred channels for receiving information are through fellow farmers and extension agents. Haven found that the major constraints to the effective use of ICTs are inadequate funds, the high cost of acquiring ICT tools, irregular power supply, and inadequate time for farmers. The study recommends that key stakeholders should be encouraged to provide affordable credit facilities to farmers to reduce the financial burden of acquiring and maintaining certain ICT devices.
Keywords:
ICT tools; Rice Farmers; Constraints; Anambra State; Nigeria
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Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0