The Role of ICT in Poverty Alleviation among Rural Farmers inAbia State

Abstract

The study examined the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in poverty alleviation among rural farmers in Abia State.  Specifically, the study examined the role of ICT in rural and agricultural development and identified the type of ICT facilities (hard and software) used in the study area.  Data for the study were gathered from 50 respondents (10 extension workers and 40 farmers) randomly selected from the three agricultural zones of the state using structured questionnaire.  Percentages and mean scores were applied for data analysis.  The study found that the major roles of ICT in the study area were for weather forecast, access to markets, reach out to people outside the locality and mobilize people for occasions.  The hardware and software used in the study area were radio, television, sms telephones, telephone mainlines and sms messages.  The most frequently used were radio, radio and television.  The study therefore, recommended that government should create agricultural website for farmers. Also, farmers should be trained in the use of ICT equipment, while constant power supply should be maintained to enable the farmers use ICT facilities effectively.