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