Factors Associated with the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Training Farmers on Farming Techniques by Extension Agents in Southwestern Nigeria (Published)
This paper presents historical information on ICTs utilization concerning agricultural production. An overview of factors associated with ICTs usage in training farmers on farming techniques by EAs in south-western Nigeria and perceived factors that determine the ICTs utilization among EAs were highlighted. The multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 287 EAs in Ogun and Oyo States of Southwestern Nigerian. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information for the study. Data collected were analyzed with frequency distribution, percentages, and mean as the main descriptive statistical tool while a t-test was used to make inferences about the data collected. The mean age of the EAs was 38.25 years, majority (99.0%) of the respondents sampled were married, while the mean year of experience in extension service is 8.13years. Affordability (84.0%), accessibility (90.9%), level of education (73.5%) were the major identified factors associated with the choice of ICTs to be used in training the farmers on farming techniques by the EAs. ICT device ownership status (80.1%) and ICT knowledge level of EAs were among the perceived factors responsible for the frequency of use of ICTs in disseminating agricultural production techniques to farmers by the EAs. There is no significant difference in the use of ICTs in training farmers on farming techniques by the EAs of the selected states. Hence the study recommends that adequate ICT facilities should be provided at affordable prices and accessible to the EAs. Government should encourage ICTs’ knowledge level of EAs through the provision of regular training and internet facilities should be made available with a constant power supply to encourage technology transfer and increase in food production in the area and Nigeria at large.
Citation: Akintonde J.O., Akintaro O.S., Rahman S.B., Bamidele B.S., Oladosu I.O. and Ogunwale, A.B. (2021) Factors Associated with the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Training Farmers on Farming Techniques by Extension Agents in Southwestern Nigeria, International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Studies, Vol.8, No.4, pp.29-35
Keywords: ICTs, Training, extension agents, farming techniques
Comparative Analysis of the Training Needs and Job Performance Constraints among Block Extension Supervisors in Abia and Akwaibom States, Nigeria (Published)
Comparative analysis of the training needs and job performance constraints among block extension supervisors in Abia and Akwa Ibom states was studied. Primary and secondary data were collected with structured questionnaire from 28 BESs drawn from Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means and t-test were employed in data analysis. Result shows that BESs in Abia and Akwa Ibom states had highest need for training in control of ecto-parasite (X= 3.93) and endo-parasite (X= 4.29) respectively. In fishery practices, Abia and Akwa Ibom states BESs had greatest need for training in fish pond construction (X = 3.71) and site selection for pond. In extension message delivery, Abia and Akwa Ibom states BESs had highest training needs in reporting farming/field problems, identification of new farmers (X=4.93) for each practice and coordination of farmers meeting (X=4.64) among others. In soil science, Abia and Akwa Ibom states BESs had highest training needs in fertilizer application methods (X= 4.93) and (X= 4.57). In Agroforestry, the BESs in Abia and Akwa Ibom states had highest need for training in establishment of snail farm (X= 4.21) and (X= 3.93). In agronomic practices, Abia and Akwa Ibom states BESs had highest need for training in site selection for crops land preparation, planting technique and fertilizer application (X= 4.79) and (X= 4.64). The major problems facing the BESs were poor input backup, lack of tangible facility for movement on the field, irregular supply of OFAR and SPAT inputs e.tc for Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Recruitment of more EAs and constant in-service training were recommended among others.
Keywords: Abia and Akwa Ibom States, Constraints, Job Performance, Nigeria, Training needs, extension agents