Information and Communication Technology Roles in Improving Women Farmers Access to Agricultural/Agribusiness Services in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 4
Abstract
This study examined Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) roles in improving women farmer’s access to agricultural services and agribusiness in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire distributed to 110 respondents randomly selected from the 10 extension blocks in Orlu Agricultural zone. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, mean scores and standard deviation. The results obtained showed that ICT devices available in the area included radio, mobile phones, television and newspaper among others. However, mobile phone is the most readily available (ICT) device (87.3%), followed by Radio (74.5%). It was also observed that ICTs play significant roles in improving women’s access to agricultural service and agribusiness as as indicated by a mean score of 2.50 Several factors constrained the use of ICT devices. Among these factors were; network problems/connectivity(M=4.00), high cost of ICT devices (M=3.47), widespread illiteracy (M = 2.96), low level of awareness (M=2.55), poor saving ability (M=2.47), insufficient income (M=2.12), and language illiteracy (M=2.00). This study thus recommended that government should provide rural infrastructure especially electricity supply, good road network etc in the study area, establishment of ICT centers where farmers can acquire practical computer training for the enhancement of ICT use. Information on agricultural services and agribusiness should be made available to farmers through their mobile phones in their local language and it should be timely for effective utilizationGlobally, agriculture takes center stage as the engine that can transform nations’ economies. Similarly, the place and role of smallholder farmers from local to global levels are recognized by the respective governments and international partners as a way to avoid age-old problems like hunger and miserable lives. Currently, it is believed that smallholder farmers can feed the world’s undernourished people [1,2]. Accordingly, agriculture employs about 62% of the population in SSA (excluding South Africa) and generates about 27% of the Gross Domestic Product [3]. Agriculture accounts for the vast majority of the poor’s livelihood activities and also holds the most promise for pro-poor economic growth [4]. Smallholder farmers, mostly women, who produce the majority of agricultural products, face various challenges, including access to adequate information, services, and key value chains [5]. Many women experience a life that is a complex web of multiple roles and multi task.
Authors and Affiliations
Anyoha NO, Chikaire JU, Godson Ibeji CC, Ogueri EI, Utazi CO
Keywords
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- EP ID EP571328
- DOI 10.32474/CIACR.2018.03.000170
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
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