Challenges to the Use of Information and Communication Technology Tools for Rural Livestock Production in Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the challenges faced by rural livestock farmers in the use of ICT tools. The specific objective included identifying IT tools used; livestock animals kept; information needs of rural livestock farmers examining challenges faced by the rural livestock farmers in the use of ICT tools and proffer solutions to the challenge. A total of 150 ICT user farmers were used to elicit information from respondents using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed descriptively. Result showed that the livestock farmers used radio (98.6%), mobile phones(96.6%), television(90%). They also keep poultry birds (98%), pigs (92.6%), and goats (87%). The farmers need information on animal disease/control (90.8%), market & prices (100%), housing techniques (94.2%) availability of loan/credits (97.5%), check availability (86.6%), prices of drugs (84.2%) among others. The challenges facing rural livestock farmers included high communication costs (585), lack of regular electric power supply(87.3%), language problems (80%), lack of computer skills (83.3%), inappropriate content (58.6%), and high level of illiteracy (86.6%) among others. To address the challenges, a regular power supply is provided, network connectivity is improved and training of farmers in ICT use among others.