Information and Communication Technology Roles in Improving Women Farmers Access to Agricultural/Agribusiness Services in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Volume 3- Issue 4

Anyoha NO1, Chikaire JU¹*, Godson Ibeji CC¹, Ogueri EI¹ and Utazi CO²

Received: June 26, 2018;   Published: July 016, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/CIACR.2018.03.000170

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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 utilization.

Keywords: Agriculture; Agribusiness; ICTs; Farmers; Services; Market; Women

Abstract| Introduction| Statement of Problem| Objectives of the Study| Methodology| Sample and Sampling Technique| Method of Data Collection| Method of Data Analysis| Results and Discussion| Conclusion| References|