Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among Extension Workers in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by agricultural extension workers in Borno State. Data were collected from 138 extension workers spread across the three Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Zones in the state. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results revealed that 54% of the respondents were 40 years of age or younger, with virtually all (98%) having at least the Ordinary National Diploma (OND). Radio was the most popular ICT facility accessed by the respondents while the Internet was the least. However, in terms of appropriateness of the ICT facilities as source of information for extension purposes, it was perceived that the Internet was the most important ICT facility. This was followed by radio, while telephone was the least in importance. The level of education of the respondents was the most important factor that significantly influenced utilization of ICTs for extension purposes (rho