Assessment of Perception of Use of Information Communication Technology Among Agricultural Extension Agents in Zamfara State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The research study was carried out to assess the perception of the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) among agricultural extensions agents in Zamfara State.
In order to achieve the broad objectives of the study, four specific objectives were raised which included determination of the influence of the level of income and educational attainment of extension agents on the use of ICT in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
Four research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated for the study. The sample of the study comprised of 340 extension agents drawn from a population of 475 extension agents working in Zamfara State Agricultural Development Project (ZADP).
Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the sample from the population. A structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection.
Data were presented in tables and analyzed using percentage, arithmetic mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions.
INTRODUCTION
Effective communication of agricultural information to farmers is crucial in achieving optimum efficiency in agricultural extension administration and practice in Nigeria.
Agricultural extension in this information age has been recognized as an essential medium of disseminating information and advice to farmers and this can be achieved throughthe use of ICT.
In Nigeria today, the concept of ICT has become a global concern and the increasing application of the technology in every segment of our national life, especially through the mobile phones, television, the internet, e-wallet, video, cameras, computers, mobile cinema, cassette recorders and overhead projectors.
Agricultural extension is an informal educational service which brings information andnew technologies to farming communities to enable them improve their production, income and standards of living.
Throughout the world, ICT has become increasingly integrated into dissemination of information to farmers. ICT are used to connect and enable learning and also connect communities of farmers and researchers in agriculture.
In recent years, a number of Sub-saharan African countries experienced slow agricultural development. The decline in the agricultural development could be attributed to a number of constraints which include inappropriate.
REFERENCES
Abdulsalam, Z., Akinola, M.O.&Buwanhot, Y.Y. (2008).Problems andprospects of information and communication technologies application in agriculture in Nigeria.Journal of Information Manager. 8(1): 7-16.
Adam, L. (2002). Information andcommunication technology in Ethiopia: Past, present and future potential for social and economic development, Addis Ababa.
Adamu, A. (2008). Educational research methodology for Nigerian students. Kano: Longman Publishers.
African Development Bank (ADB, 2003). A strategic approach to information and communication technology toward e-development in Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank
Adebayo, E.L andAdesope, O.M. (2007).Awareness, access and usage information and communication technologies between female researchers and extensionists.International Journal of Education
Adegboye, J.B. (1991). The historical background of agriculture development projects system and organization in Nigeria, in the training manual of the NAERLS/FACU/ARMTI Specialized Workshop
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