The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Agricultural and Rural Transformation in Delta State.

Abstract

Agricultural and rural transformations are key development strategies for Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general. This is because Nigeria has a vast rural
community with broadly unsophisticated agricultural base. Therefore, to transform Agriculture and rural development from this state of un-sophistication and backwardness, there is the need to meet up with farmers production needs which vary from one locality to another. This implies that if the rural community must not be left behind in the effort to creating a knowledgeable society in which ICT becomes the key to socio-economic development, there is the need now, to bridge the gap in the digital divide in information technology aimed at building capacity of rural dwellers to enhance Agricultural and rural transformation. The study examined the use of information and communication technology in
Agricultural and rural transformation in Delta State. The stratified sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents who are made up of extension agents of the Agricultural Development programme (ADP), Agricultural staff of the state ministry of Agriculture and those of the Agricultural unit of sampled local government councils. All the respondents from the three Agricultural zones of the state were studied, using questionnaire designed to elicit
information. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means and percentages were adopted in analysing data. Finding revealed that ICT is a veritable tool and requirement for agricultural and rural transformation even though it is not widely accessed by farmers in these communities. It was recommended that information communication technology facilities be made available in most rural localities in the state such as internet facilities,
overhead projector, video cameras, etc and the Agricultural extension staff should be properly trained in this area to be able to train farmers using ICT facilities.

African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 1-8