Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (Icts) On Agricultural Productivity among Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from Sub-Saharan African Communities (Published)
The study was carried out to assess the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria during October 2015 and September 2016 cropping season. Data were collected with structured questionnaires distributed to 200 smallholder farmers. The study used a multiple stage random sampling procedure to select farming household. Likert type scales were used to analyze the data. The main aim of the study was to find out the impact of ICTs on the agricultural productivity and welfare of the respondents. The t-test result revealed that ICT Services Short Message (SMS text reminders) had positive and significant impact (P<0.001**) on the agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers. The findings showed that 52% of the respondents experienced rapid increases in their crops productivity; and improved standard of living of the farmer as a result of the ICT Services Short Message (SMS text reminders). In addition, a large proportion (92%) of the respondents revealed that ICT Services Short Message (SMS text reminders) are beneficial to them. The results also revealed that radio, mobile phone and television among others were the most available ICT devices to the smallholder farmers in the area. However, the results obtained showed that radio and mobile phone were the most readily available ICT device with 97% and 85.8% respectively. The study however recommended that the Federal Government should create an enabling environment towards improved rural infrastructure and access to internet and other mobile communication technologies for rural people which would improve the overall use of ICT facilities. In addition, the Nigerian Government should establish ICT training centers in all the rural areas and educate farmers on the benefits of ICTs. Lastly, the study also suggested that there is a need for the development of ICT skills among agricultural extension workers and farmers in rural Nigeria
Keywords: Mobile Phone, Productivity, Radio, SMS text reminder, smallholders