Perception of awareness of information and communication technologies among yam farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River state, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the awareness of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among yam farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; identify the types of ICTs available to yam farmers, ascertain the level of awareness of ICTs among yam farmers and ascertain the effects of ICTs on yam production in the study area. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and ranks. Result of types of ICTs available among the yam farmers showed that radio was ̅=3.70, Mobile phones were ̅=3.50 while television had ̅=3.11 and were the most available ICTs accessed by yam farmers in the study area. Findings on the level of awareness indicated that Radio ( ̅=1.78) ranked 1st, television ( ̅=1.70) ranked 2nd while, mobile phone ( ̅=1.66) ranked 3rd and were the ICTs that the farmers had greater awareness. Results on the perceived effects of ICTs on yam production revealed that ICTs reduce cost of interaction among yam farmers, enhanced decision-making among farmers and also strengthen partnership with research and extension. However, serious constraints to the use of ICT facilities by farmers were identified such as; poor finance, erratic power supply and cost of use of ICT tools. The result of this study showed that yam farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone utilized conventional ICTs tools more than contemporary tools in yam production. The study therefore concluded that, there is a commendable level of awareness of information and communication technologies among yam farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria.