Use of ICTs as a Source of Information for Improving Agricultural Productivity in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates respondent's access to use of ICTs as a source of information for improving agricultural productivity. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection from the respondents. The specific objectives of the study that addressed Socioeconomic characteristics, awareness of various ICTs, knowledge on ICT use and constraints facing ICT usage. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean. Inferential statistics such as Chi-Square was used to establish relationship. The results obtained revealed that family members constitute the major source of information to the famers in the study areas. This is followed by radio, mobile phone and internet while extension agents rarely provide information to the famers. Findings also revealed a high rate of competence in the use of mobile phones, radio, and television sets while respondents indicated low competence level in the use of video-conferencing and fax, the attitude of farmers has a significant level of effect on the productivity of farmers. Their attitude had a 10% level of significance on the productivity among others. Policy makers should try to make agricultural information readily available through mobile devices, since they were most commonly used and since most farmers did not have contact with extension agents; hence more extension agents should be engaged in order to reach the farmers adequately.