FARMER’S PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION TO RURAL FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in dissemination of Agricultural information to rural farmers in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 farmers from the study area. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 62% of the farmers were aware of the ICTs, 63% had access to ICTs, 41% owned radio, television, and mobile phone while 27% owned radio and mobile phone. The results further revealed that all ((100%) the farmers perceived ICTs as effective tools in extension service delivery. Also, 63% of the respondents considered access to mobile phone to be timely and relevant in accessing agricultural information. Mobile phone (40%) was ranked first as an effective means of accessing agricultural information by the farmers. It was also disclosed that television (32%) and mobile phone (40%) were the major factors leading to ICTs effectiveness. Erratic power supply (32.0%) and inadequate extension services (25%) were the major problems that militated against the use of ICTs among farmers in the study area. The study concluded that ICTs are effective tools in dissemination of agricultural information in the study area, and mobile phone was the most effective means of accessing agricultural information by the respondents due to its dual purpose. The study also concluded that erratic power supply and inadequate extension services are the major problems militating against the use of ICTs among farmers. It was recommended that in order for farmers to understand and appreciate the benefits of ICT to improved agricultural production, extension agents should educate farmers particularly on the use of mobile phone which is considered more accessible and convenient.