Application of the technology acceptance model to assess the use and preferences of ICTs among field-level extension officers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Investment in ICTs has not always yielded the expected results due to inadequate usage of ICTs by extension staffs. Our study aims to present a more general account of the use of ICTs and preferences of extension and advisory workers at the grassroots level. Following the technology acceptance model (TAM) and Dillman survey method, a google form was used to collect data from 131 sub-district level extension officers covering 48 (out of 64) districts of Bangladesh. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling was used to analyse the data and test the complex causal relationship of TAM components. Results revealed that the extension and advisory workers obtained ICT tools from the extension organization but received insufficient organizational supports to purchase internet packages, maintenance costs, and training to continue the use of it. Factor like perceived usefulness of ICTs positively influenced the extension workers' intention to use ICT-based information systems. A better understanding of the underlying reasoning behind the intention to use ICTs could aid future intervention design and facilitate ICT adoption in extension services in Bangladesh and beyond.