ACCESS AND USE OF PRINT MEDIA IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AMONG RURAL FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Objectives: of the study analyzed the use and effectiveness of print media in technology transfer among rural farm households in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to; describe the socio-economic profile of the respondent; ascertain the access to print media by rural farm households; determine the frequency of print media in technology transfer in the study area; examine the perceived effectiveness of print media technology transferred; Identify the constraints affecting the use of print media in the transfer of agricultural technologies in Imo State, and determine the factors influencing the use of print media in technology transfer among rural households in Imo State. Methodology: Multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 126 farm households for the study. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the ordinary least square multiple regression model. Result and Discussion: Result revealed that 48.4% and 51.9% of the farmers were males and females respectively, with a mean age of 43 years, mean household size of 5 persons, mean farming experience of 29 years, mean education of 14 years, mean annual income ofN31,573.8 and majority (81.7%) were married. A majority (x̅ =2.92%) had highest access to posters and flyers (87.3%). The highest frequently used print media was flyers (x̅ = 2.9). Result also showed that the use of print media in technology transfer among rural farmers was effective although all (100%) the respondents were not giving the opportunity to ask questions. the coefficient of age, cost, farming experience, farm size household size, frequency of extension contact and access to print media significantly influenced the use of print media in technology transfer. Time-consuming (x̅ = 2.8), high cost (x̅ = 2.6), limited space (x̅ = 2.6), inaccessible roads, (x̅ = 2.3) political censor (2.6) and no interaction (x̅ = 2.5) were serious constraints to the use of print media in technology transfer. Conclusion: The study concluded that the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers influenced the use of print media in technology transfer that could improve their farm activities.