ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES USED IN DISSEMINATING AGRICULTURAL NEW TECHNOLOGIES AMONG EXTENSION AGENTS IN IMO STATE
Authors:
Egwuonwu, H. A and Nkeanyi, C .h.
Abstract:
The study analyzed information and communication technologies (ICTS) used in disseminating agricultural new technologies by extension agents in Imo state. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of extension agents in the area; identified various ICTs devices extension agents use in agricultural extension delivery in the area; examined the level of utilization of ICTs devices by extension agents in the area and identify the constraints extension agents encounters in the use of ICTs in agricultural extension delivery in the area. A total of 60 extension agents were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Well, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and multiple regression analysis. Mean age of extension agent was 46years. The majority (63.33%) were male and about 81.67% were married. Mean household size of extension agent was 6 persons. The majority (51.67%) of the extension agents had the first degree while approximately 55% had between 20 to 30 years of field experience. Radio (100%) and telephone (GSM) (93.33%) were the major ICTs devices extension agents used in the dissemination of agricultural innovation in the area. The result showed a positive and an acceptable level of utilization of various ICTs devices in agricultural extension delivery by extension agents in the area. Estimated multiple regression revealed that the age, marital status, educational Level, field experience and household size of the extension agents significantly influence their level of utilization of ICTs devices at a various significant level in the area. However, among other constraints, extension agents complained particularly of lack of power supply (96.67%) and inability to operate ICTs (91.67%). It was therefore recommended that electrification policies and programmes should focus on providing an adequate power supply for extension agents and farmers in the area. It is also necessary that other source of power supply such as solar building should be provided as these would enhance effective and efficient agricultural delivery in the area.