Effect of Information Communication Technology on Agricultural Information Access Among Researchers,Extension Agents,and Farmers in South Western Nigeria

This study compared researchers, extension agents, and farmers’ perceptions of the effect of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on agricultural information access. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 88 researchers, 115 extension agents, and 271 farmers. Data collected through a structured questionnaire were analyzed using means, standard deviation, and one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that, of the 29 statements on the rating scale, researchers, extension agents, and farmers agreed with and were positively disposed to 25, 23, and 19, respectively. A significant difference in the effect of ICT on agricultural information access among researchers, extension agents, and farmers (F = 6.49, p < .05) was observed. Access to agricultural information through ICT will continue to improve, since perceptions are overtly positive among researchers, extension agents, and farmers.     

Knowledge Levels and Perceived Effect of Climate Change on Extension Delivery in North West Province,South Africa

A simple random sampling technique was used to select 20% of the extension officers in North West Province, South Africa. Data on knowledge levels and perceived effect of climate change on extension delivery were collected and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and multiple regression analysis. The results show that a wide range of knowledge levels exists on climate change issues related to causes, effect, vulnerability, and mitigation and that extension officers will have to address new skill requirements for farmers, the need for specialized extension services, and changing and diversified livelihoods. The results have several implications for training and educating extension officers on climate change issues.     

Farm Households' Simultaneous Use of Sources to Access Information on Cotton Crop Production

This study has investigated farm households' simultaneous use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information on cotton crop production. The study was based on a field survey, conducted in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from 399 cotton farm households using the multistage sampling technique. Important combinations of information sources were found in terms of their simultaneous use to access information. The study also examined the factors influencing the use of various available information sources. A multivariate probit model was used considering the correlation among the use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern ICTs. The findings indicated the importance of different socioeconomic and institutional factors affecting farm households' use of available information sources on cotton production. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on findings.     

Entertainment-Education Strategy Utilization for Agricultural Information Dissemination: Congruency Among Researchers,Extension Agents,and Farmers in Southwestern Nigeria

Several congruency studies exist on agricultural-related issues, but studies on congruency for entertainment-education (EE) utilization for agricultural information dissemination is limited. Congruency among researchers, extension agents, and farmers on the use of EE for agricultural information dissemination was examined. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 161 respondents across respondent categories. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on respondents' perception and estimate of perception of other stakeholders to establish accuracy. Data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation at p = 0.05. Results indicate congruence between researchers' perception and accuracy in establishing extension agents and farmers' opinion about media environment. A similar result was obtained for congruence between farmers' perception and other stakeholders' position on media environment. Congruence between extension agents, researchers, and farmers was accurate for infrastructural factors. Given the accurate predictions of each other's disposition to key variables, EE should be further exploited for agricultural information dissemination.     

Utilization of Satellite Imaging and Information Communication Technology in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Nigeria

This study appraised the level of usage of satellite imaging and selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools by agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, information on usage of satellite imaging, personal skill ratings, and constraints faced by respondents in the usage of ICT equipment were gathered. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (97%) perceived themselves as incompetent in reading and interpreting satellite imaging for agricultural information dissemination. The study posited that government at various levels should assist in training EWs on digital compatibility.     

宁波地区4种典型农村生活污水处理工艺污染物去除率比较分析

选择宁波地区的A/O一体化、生物滤池、生物转盘和人工湿地等4种典型农村生活污水处理工艺为研究对象,于2013年1月—2015年12月期间开展各工艺终端处理设施的进出水水质跟踪监测,进行各处理工艺的污染物去除率和稳定性比较分析。结果表明,4种处理工艺的COD、BOD_5、SS多年平均去除率大小顺序均为A/O一体化生物滤池生物转盘人工湿地,TN多年平均去除率大小顺序为生物滤池生物转盘A/O一体化人工湿地,其中A/O一体化、生物滤池和生物转盘工艺的COD、BOD_5、TN平均去除率均显著高于人工湿地工艺;A/O一体化、生物滤池和生物转盘工艺随着终端处理设施运行年限的延长,COD、BOD_5、SS、TN去除率均保持稳定,而人工湿地工艺的COD、BOD5、TN去除率均呈现明显的下降趋势;各处理工艺在低温期(11月—次年4月)和高温期(5月—10月)的SS去除率差异不明显,但各处理工艺的COD、BOD_5、TN去除率在低温期明显低于高温期,其中A/O一体化工艺差异相对较小,生物滤池工艺差异最大。     

Information Communication Technology Needs of Small-Scale Farmers in Anambra State,Nigeria

This study sought to identify the information communication technology (ICT) needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 108 farmers. Results revealed that the majority used radio and television and owned mobile phones and video machines. Constraints to use included capacity, infrastructural/technical and logistical problems. The study recommends that the Nigerian government reorient its policies in order to harness the potential of ICTs to contribute to agricultural development and highlights the need to raise awareness of the agricultural uses of ICTs among the government, other national stakeholders, and rural communities.     

Intraorganizational Communication: A Study of Communication/Interaction Among Core Subprograms of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program,Enugu State,Nigeria

In recognition of the importance of communication in extension work and agriculture, this study assessed communication methods used among core sub-programs of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program (ENADEP). Sixty-three staff were randomly selected to participate in the study. Statistical tools such as percentage, mean score, and factor analysis were used in data analysis. Findings show that a downward (top-down) communication flow was most common, with posters and workshops as primary communication tools. Technology review meetings and training were major situations in which communication occurred, while achievement of ENADEP objectives was the most important motive for communication. Communicator knowledge about subject matter was the top-rated factor that enhanced communication; security/credibility- and human/autocracy-related problems were major constraints to effective communication. The study recommends a de-emphasis on top-down communication approaches and encourages use of digital/information communication technology (ICT) tools to minimize the gap between generation and dissemination of information and its application.     

Characteristics and Aquaculture Information Needs of Crayfish Farmers in Akwa-Ibom State,Nigeria

This study investigated the characteristics and aquaculture information needs of crayfish farmers in Akwa-Ibom State of Nigeria. Ninety crayfish farmers formed the sample for the study. Percentage, mean score, and multiple regression were used in data analysis. The findings show that the respondents had no extension contact and no access to crayfish and agriculture-related information. Information on adaptation to the effects of climate change on aquatic animals, especially crayfish, was needed by these farmers. Primary occupation, monthly income from crayfish enterprise, household size, and number of extension contacts were determinants of output on crayfish. The restriction of fishing activities on traditional festival days was a challenge, while the use of modern boats and durable nets were strategies for improving harvesting of crayfish.     

Agricultural Information Needs of Root and Tuber Farmers in the Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State,Nigeria

This study assessed the agricultural information needs of root- and tuber-crop farmers in the Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. A simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were presented using percentages and rankings. The most utilized sources of information on agricultural practices were associations (75.8%), other farmers (70.8%), and extension agents (60.8%). Agricultural information reported as “highly needed” by respondents included marketing procedures, processing and improved planting techniques, and soil management methods. Chi-square test results showed a significant relationship between selected personal characteristics of respondents (gender χ² = 24.9, p < .05; educational status χ² = 10.8, p < .05; marital status χ² = 181.1, p < .05 and household size χ² = 48.6; p < .05) and information needs.     

宁南县加速推广等高固氮植物篱技术成效

简要介绍了四川省宁南县推广应用等高固氮植物篱技术的经验教训。等高固氮植物篱作为一种坡耕地水土保持和土壤培肥的有效方式,已为宁南县广大干部群众所接受。为进一步加强水土保持工作,改善生态环境,振兴县域经济,提出了大力推广等高固氮植物篱技术的对策措施。     

试论农业工程技术推广

农业工程技术推广是通过各种不同的方式和方法,有组织、有计划地引导农民在农业生产、生活和乡镇企业中应用农业工程的先进经验,先进技术和先进经营管理方法的活动;是把农业工程科学技术的潜在生产力转化为现实生产力的途径。 本文用国内外农业发展历史的事例说明了农业工程技术推广的重要性和必要性。 本文介绍了国际上常用的六种农业技术推广方法。总结了中国自1949年全国解放后农业工程技术推广方面的做法。并指出农业工程技术推广的特点是:在指导农民应用各种工程手段的同时,教农民采用相应的农、牧业产前、产中、产后的生产工艺,在推广工业产品时,需采用各种方法传授该产品从安装、调试直至运行、维修保养等全套技术予农民;监督工厂产品质量;并协助工厂解决原材料和制造工艺等问题;协调农民与工厂间的矛盾等等。 本文最后提出了对农业工程技木推广人员的要求,主要是要与农民一条心和有刻苦耐劳的精神。     

Principal Areas of Applying Information and Communication Technologies in the Agricultural Extension System of Iran

This study investigated areas for potential application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural extension system of Iran. Two hundred forty-one extension staff (out of 1,145) in the Ministry of Agriculture were selected and studied as a sample through a stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that six factors/components containing 32 variables determined about 68.91% of the variations in the areas of application. The six factors were Management of documentation and preparation of extension information (14.88% of variance), Planning and implementation of extension education programs (13.6%), Professional empowerment of extension agents (10.8%), Expansion of intra-organizational relationships (10.27%), Facilitation of organizational processes (9.7%), and Improving communication through e-mail services (9.64%).     

网络传输数据的加密方法

数据加密作为一项基本技术,是所有网络通信安全的基石,是由加密算法具体实施,以很小的代价提供网络安全保护。在多数情况下,数据加密是保证网络信息机密性的惟一方法。一般加密算法分为秘密密钥加密技术和公开密钥加密技术。     

Effect of Targeted Agricultural Information Delivery Approach on Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Information in Nigeria

Access to information by rural farmers in Nigeria is inefficient due to a variety of factors which include insufficient extension staff and dearth of information in the right format. In order to ensure delivery of timely and relevant information to rural farmers, Information Resource Centers (IRCs) were established in Adopted Villages across the country by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), an agricultural extension research institute based in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Farmers’ access to information was enhanced through this approach and it was cost effective as both NAERLS and the farmers contributed to running the IRCs.