Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Among Private Agricultural Organization Workers in Oyo State,Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among private agricultural organization workers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. One hundred and five respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Frequency counts, percentages, chi-square, Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that respondents’ age is significantly related to the use of ICTs and that age and marital status are significantly related to attitude toward use of ICTs. In addition, the study revealed that respondents’ age was significantly related to the benefits derived from the use of ICTs. Recommendations include a better supply of electricity, periodic training and continuous retraining of workers in the use of ICTs, and the creation and enforcement of government policies that will bring about sustainable use of ICTs for agricultural development.     

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.     

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.     

Information Delivery and its Effect on Production of Cashews in Oyo State,Nigeria

This study assessed information delivery and effect on the productive capacity of contact and non-contact cashew farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The results showed that the output of contact farmers was significantly different from that of non-contact farmers (p = .006), despite significant differences in farm size (p < .05). Interpersonal contacts through extension agents and friends were the most frequently used sources of information. In addition, information on cashew production and marketing was the most important to farmers. The study shows that farmer's productivity is enhanced through interaction with extension agents.     

Listenership of Farmers' Digest Radio Program on Joy FM (96.5), Otukpo,Benue State,Nigeria

The study investigated listenership of the Farmers' Digest radio program on Joy FM (96.5) in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to collect data on listenership of Farmers' Digest, preferred segment, listeners' perception, and factors limiting listenership of the program from 150 respondents. Farmers' Digest enjoyed wide listenership (56.3%) and a favorable perception (74.4%). Discussion (M = 1.79) was the most preferred segment and irregular supply of electricity (M = 1.64) was the most limiting listenership factor. Perception was significantly related to program listenership (r = .484). The program design should be sustained, while identified constraining factors should be mitigated for enhanced listenership.     

Analysis of Market Information Sources for Agricultural Transformation Among Cassava Farmers in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State,Nigeria

This study investigated sources of market information among cassava farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was employed; data were collected through an interview schedule and described and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square. Results showed that the majority of the cassava farmers were male and married, had no formal education, and sourced market information from middlemen. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ personal characteristics, such as tribe and primary occupation (χ² = 34.360, χ² = 43.203), and market information sources. Market information should be disseminated using local languages preferred by cassava farmers and be reliable, timely, and relevant.     

Intercropping Combination and Information Sources Among Kola Farmers in Osun State,Nigeria

Appropriate planting patterns ensure sustained soil fertility and higher productivity for farmers. This study assessed the intercropping crop combinations and information sources of kola farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Sixty respondents were selected using multistage and purposive random sampling techniques. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire. The arable crops commonly intercropped with kola were plantain/banana, yam, cassava, and maize. Tree crops combined with kola included cocoa, citrus, and oil palm. Co-farmers/friends and radio served as popular sources of information for farmers. Farm size was significantly related to respondents’ information sources on kola intercropping. The authors recommend that the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria's extension personnel make greater use of information sources most frequently used by respondents in order to ensure adequate cropping systems.     

Awareness and Use of Information Communication Technologies by Farmers in Oyo State,Nigeria

Due to inadequate personnel, information communication technologies (ICTs) have become an attractive option for delivery of extension information. This study examined awareness and use of ICTs by farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 192 farmers were interviewed. Results indicate that most farmers had no formal education and small farm holdings. Awareness of older ICTs like radio and television was more prevalent among farmers as compared with newer ICTs such as Internet and cable television. However, use of modern ICTs like mobile phones and cable television was greater than that for older technologies such as fax machines. Farmers were constrained in ICT use by prohibitive cost and service failure. The Nigerian government should encourage a liberal policy for affordable prices for modern ICT products, especially mobile telephones.     

Contribution of Farm-Radio Broadcasts to Yam Output in Benue State,Nigeria

This study analyzed farmers’ perceptions of the contribution of farm-radio broadcasts to yam production. Data collected from 200 randomly selected farmers in Benue State, Nigeria using a structured questionnaire showed that 94.0% considered hours of broadcasts (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.) suitable, 98.5% were satisfied with the language of broadcasts, 97.5% found the contents adequate, and 88.5% utilized the messages. The paired sample t test showed significant differences between yield of yams before and after listening to radio (p < .01), indicating farm-radio broadcasts’ contribution to productivity. It is recommended that farm-radio broadcasts be intensified and sustained to enhance output and food security.     

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.     

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.     

Dynamics of Agricultural Information and Effect on Income of Melon Farmers in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The study assessed effects of agricultural information on the income of melon farmers. Ninety melon farmers constituted the sample for the study. Data were collected through an interview average annual income of the respondents from melon only was ?7,455.4, while their total average schedule, while percentage mean score and correlation were used in the analysis. Findings reveal that the monthly income was ?1,223. About 62 and 42% of the respondents, respectively, did not receive information on melon production and general agriculture. Thus, a positive and significant relationship exists between the number of times respondents received information on melon/general agriculture and their incomes.     

Determinants of ICT Utilization Among Agricultural Students of Tertiary Institutions in South Western Nigeria

This study aimed to identify the factors that determine the utilization of ICT among agricultural students at tertiary institutions in the South Western Zone of Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 240 respondents from the tertiary institutions. Students were mostly male with a mean age of 23.4 years and enrolled in undergraduate programs. Respondents had a high knowledge of ICT utilization despite poor electricity supply, insufficient financial resources, and inadequate ICT infrastructures. A significant relationship existed between constraints, perception of ICT benefits, and utilization of ICT. ANOVA showed a significant difference in the students’ level of ICT utilization (F = 26.791; p < .05). Schools should seek private-sector collaboration to alternatively fund ICT amenities on campuses.     

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.     

Factors Influencing Use of Traditional Communication Methods in Information Dissemination Among Farmers in Osun State,Nigeria

Critical factors influencing farmers’ use of traditional communication methods (TCMs) in information dissemination were isolated with a factor analytical technique. The results show that most of the farmers were between 31 and 60 years and the majority (63%) employ use of TCMs such as proverbs, hooting, putting leaves on path, and use of palm fronds to deliver information at a moderate level. The features of TCMs, farmers’ personal characteristics, economic proficiency, and influence of social contact were factors influencing use of TCMs. It was concluded that use of TCMs is influenced by their peculiarities in discerning information and the user's personal and socioeconomic characteristics.     

Characterizing Farmer Users and Nonusers of Mass Media as Channels of Agricultural Information in Benue State,Nigeria

This study characterized farmer users and nonusers of mass media as channels of agricultural information. A structured interview was used to obtain data from 316 randomly selected farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. The data were subjected to discriminant analysis and the following socioeconomic characteristics significantly differed at a 5% level of probability between users and nonusers of mass media (and their F-ratio values): education (6.30), income (5.12), gender (4.84), and socioeconomic status (4.83). Farmer users of mass media are therefore those who have good level of education, belong to a relatively high income bracket, and are typically male and of a relatively high socioeconomic status. Farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics should be considered in planning mass media usage in agricultural information dissemination.     

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.