Factors Affecting the Utilization of Information & Communication Technology (ICT): A Case of Badulla & Nuwara Eliya Potato Farming Community, Sri Lanka

Abstract

ICT upgrades farmer knowledge thus, enhances overall production and marketing aspects in agricultural systems. However, transferring traditional farmer into new technologies in developing countries is a significant challenge. At present, there have been many ICT tools which introduced to farmers in Sri Lanka. Thus, the central question is whether agro-community is utilizing these different ICT tools in a productive way. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the factors which affect the overall usage of ICT tools of potato farmers in Sri Lanka and their perception on future use of ICT. Primary data was collected from 241 farmers randomly in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts using a pre-tested questionnaire. Correlation analysis was deployed to elicit the relationship between selected socio-economic factors of the farmer and the number of ICTs those farmers have utilized. Results revealed education level (p<0.05, r=0.659), average monthly farm income (p<0.1, r=0.352) and number of crops cultivated (p<0.05, r=0.851) by farmer were positive and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Age (p<0.05, r=-0.7432) and years of experience engaged in agricultural activities (p<0.05, r=-0.254) were negative and significant with the number of ICT appliances used by the potato farmer. Further, 60% farmers have used internet once a week to gather agriculture related information. Another, 13% have used GPS and only 1% have used e-mail. Even though there have been numerous ICT tools, still ICT literacy of local farmers were not up to the satisfactory level. This implied Sri Lankan agriculture sector is not fully utilizing ICT in agriculture. Perhaps changing the way or mode of delivering of ICT tools may cause positive influence in agriculture. Rather than focusing advanced ICT appliances and tools, it is recommended to exploit the full potential of current ICT appliances and tools to disseminate vital information. Consideration of farmer accessibility of different ICT appliances and tools are much important to decide the next step of agriculture modernization in Sri Lanka.