Evaluation of the Use of Ict in Agricultural Technology Delivery to Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of ICT as a source of technology delivery among farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Multiple-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents.  Primary data were collected using a well structured questionnaire and interview schedule.  Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis.  Results obtained showed that 55 percent of the respondents were males whose age brackets fall within 30 – 39 years. About 30 percent had secondary education.  Out of 45 percent of the respondents who were farmers, 41.7 percent were mainly crop farmers.  54.17 percent of the respondents had access to mobile phones whereas 57.50 percent had no access to computer. ICTs was used by 31.67 percent of the respondents to get information on new varieties, ICT was effective in information delivery in determining the quantity of farm inputs. A high co-efficient of multiple determination (R²) of 76.6 percent was obtained.  This means that 76.6 percent of the total variables in the dependent variables were caused by the changes in independent variables included in the regression model. Infrastructural, technical, institutional and financial constraints were identified by factor analysis. In conclusion, overcoming the problems of information dissemination and communication, language barriers and limited economic resources would increase the use of ICTs in the study area.  Recommendations such as improvement of infrastructural facilities, periodic training of farmers, and extension agents, subsidizing ICTs facilities as well as organizing public enlightenment programmes should be carried out to improve the awareness and the use of ICTs in Ebonyi State.

Keywords: ICT, Agriculture, Technology, Delivery, Farmers, Ebonyi State.