Dissemination of Agricultural Information to Farmers using ICT

Abstract

Over the years, rural farmers in Nigeria depend on indigenous or local knowledge for improved agricultural practices. This knowledge (indigenous or local knowledge) refers to the skills and experience passed from generations to generations. This knowledge/information needs ranges from planting treated seeds, animal and plant disease prevention, fertilizer application, farm machineries, proper storage of farm products, marketing techniques, cooperative and agro-cultural activities etc. This study attempts to investigate the problems rural farmers encounter accessing agricultural information, it attempts to determine and evaluate the types of information and sources of information available to farmers. For data collection, a self-prepared questionnaire was used, and the data analyzed. The findings of the study is used to design and develop an improved ICT solution/platform that would provide farmers with agriculture related information, improve crop production and quality, make market decisions, get access to modern agriculture machines and limit Middlemen involvement in agricultural trade practices.