FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A CASE OF BADULLA & NUWARA ELIYA POTATO FARMING COMMUNITY, SRI LANKAFACTORS 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, enhancing overall production and marketing aspects in agricultural systems. However, transferring traditional farmers into new technologies in developing countries is a significant challenge. At present, there have been many ICT tools introduced to farmers in Sri Lanka. Thus, the central question is whether the agro-community is constructively utilizing these different ICT tools. 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 of 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% of farmers have used the 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 was still not up to a satisfactory level. This implied Sri Lankan agriculture sector is not fully utilizing ICT in agriculture. Perhaps changing the way or mode of delivering ICT tools may cause a positive influence in agriculture. Rather than focusing on 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 is much important to decide the next step of agriculture modernization in Sri Lanka.