Awareness and utilization of cell phones as an effective resource among farmers in Ikwuano L.G.A of Abia State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Scientia Agriculturae - Year 2016, Vol 15, Issue 3
Abstract
The study was aimed at finding out if farmers are aware that the cell phone at their disposal can be used to enhance their agricultural activities. The study area was Ikwuano, one out of the 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State. 3 communities were purposively selected because of proximity and by random sampling 2 villages and 20 farming households from each of these villages were selected to have a total of 120 farmers (3 × 2×3×20 = 120). A Structured questionnaire was administered to the sampled farmers to generate data. Data generated was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage and mean). Objective 1 and 2 were measured using simple percentages while in objectives 3, 4 & 5 the respondents were asked to indicate their opinion on a 4-point likert scale. The major findings from the study were that all the farmers used their cell phone to access information, assistance and farming inputs. The cell phone should be seen as a resource and as an ICT strategy that can be used to achieve agricultural objectives. The following recommendations were made based on the study: extension workers should encourage famers use their cell phones to communicate with them to save time and cost thereby making their job easier and life better for the farmers, the government should ensure effective electricity power supply especially in the rural areas where farmers dwell, network service providers should ensure constant network service to ensure an all round connection and farmers should be encouraged to update their literacy level so that they can maximally utilize the functions of their cell phones for optimal agricultural benefits.
Authors and Affiliations
V. I Akpan , F. C Nzeakor
Keywords
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- EP ID EP96322
- DOI 10.15192/PSCP.SA.2016.15.3.387391
- Views 115
- Downloads 0
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