Analysis of Factors Affecting Accessibility of Information Communication Technologies Among Cassava Farmers in Obubra Local Government Area Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigates the factors influencing the accessibility of ICT tools among cassava farmers in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State. Specifically, it describes the socio-economic factors of the cassava farmers, identifies the available ICT tools to cassava farmers, determines the accessibility of the available ICT among farmers, examines how cassava farmers perceive the adoption of ICT tools and identify the challenges faced by cassava farmers in adopting ICT tools in cassava production. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were employed for data analysis. Results on socio-economic characteristics revealed a predominantly female (55.56%), literate (90%), and married (64.81%) group with an average age of 46, had an average of 27 years of cassava farming experience, engaged in small-scale farming (1.8 hectares), and had an average annual income of N484,000. Principal ICT tools included radio, mobile phones, television, computers, and the Internet. Mobile phones (94.44%), television (89.81%), and radio (77.78%) were reported as the most accessible tools. The rejection of the null hypothesis indicated farmers perceived ICT tool adoption as relevant. Challenges included high costs, inadequate knowledge, limited awareness, internet-related issues, power supply, low education levels, language barriers, and distrust of technology. Recommendations include targeted training, improved connectivity, and power supply.
Keywords: Cross River State, Information & Communication Technologies, Nigeria, Obubra, cassava farmers