宁夏新农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响分析

为了解农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响,基于对宁夏北部、中部和南部地区的9个县的628户农户进行的问卷调查,分析了农户的网络信息利用行为特点,研究了农民的生计改善与信息化的关系。结果显示,农村信息化建设影响了农民的生计,增加了农民受教育与培训的机会,改善了医疗和健康状况,丰富了文化生活,提高了农民收入。基于当前农户的利用行为特点,提出了相关政策建议。     

Review of Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production

This study analyses the influences of sociodemographic factors, business orientation of farmers, and farm characteristics on adoption of ICT-based information through primary data collected from 461 farmers in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. A personal interview survey was conducted using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The Poisson Count Regression Model was used to analyze the factors influencing use of the information derived through ICT-based systems on various agricultural practices. The findings indicate that education, income, and social category of farmers are important sociodemographic factors affecting the adoption of ICT-based information systems. Similarly, farmers who consider farming as a business venture, practice a diversified cropping system, and have small farms are more likely to use ICT-based information.     

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.     

Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Agricultural Teaching and Research in Universities in Enugu State,Nigeria

This study examined the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for agricultural teaching and research in universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Results show that almost all the respondents (lecturers 96.9%, students 90%) had acquired ICT training. Computers, GSM/telephone, photocopying machines, e-mail, flash drives, printers and Internet were the most frequently used ICTs. The age of the lecturers was the most important factor that significantly influenced the frequency of computer usage for teaching and research (P ≤ 0.05).     

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.     

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.     

Connecting Small Farmers in the Caribbean to Knowledge,Networks, and Institutions Through ICTs

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to be useful in agricultural knowledge systems to improve communication linkages among research, extension services, and farmers. The end result would be new information and technologies being made available to those who need it the most in larger numbers and in a timelier manner. While the role of ICTs in stimulating technological, organizational, institutional, and policy innovations in developing countries has been recognized, in many Caribbean States where ICTs are becoming readily available, the development and use of ICT in agricultural research and innovation systems remain underexploited, despite the fact that the agricultural sector in these developing nations accounts for a significant amount of the total employed labor force. This article traces key developments in ICT use in the agricultural sector in the Caribbean region, while highlighting the challenges as well as the potential of this technology. Several initiatives in the region are described and suggestions made for the development of innovative, appropriate, and efficient information and communication systems.     

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.