The influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the dissemination of agricultural information among urban farmers in the Northern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Information is a key resource for agriculture and rural development. Communication of information is a major function of extension aimed at the promotion of Agricultural development. This study is aimed at determining the influence of information communication technologies in dissemination of information to urban farmers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) of Borno State, Nigeria. Primary data for the study was obtained by administering questionnaire to the farmers through random sample of 60 respondents and 10 extension agents from 6 out of 15 wards of the MMC. Secondary data were obtained from published documents and records. The result revealed that radio was the major medium mostly used with a high percentage of (38%) and preferred by most of the respondents (23%). The problems associated with the use of ICT include inadequate agricultural information (11.6%), time of presenting such Programmes (10%), erratic power supply (41.6%) and lack of access to the use of ICT (6.6%). The chi- square (X²)result obtained at 0.05 level between farmers use of ICT and age ( Cal x ² = 6.46), Tab X²= 5.99) and educational level cal X² = 42.06, Tab X² = 16.919) as well as membership of cooperative association cal X² - cal X² - 15.93., Tab X² = 11.070). Based on the results, study recommended that; relevant information on both TV and Radio to provide vital and update agricultural information and time of broad cast should be in the evening to coincide with farmers leisure time and allow morning period for their major economic activities.