Use of internet for innovation management by extension agents in Oyo State

Abstract

This study examined extension agents’ perception of the use of the Internet for sourcing and disseminating agricultural innovation in Oyo state. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents. Data collected with a questionnaire were subjected to descriptive and Pearson product moment correlation analysis. Findings reveal that mean income, age, and working experience of respondents were ₦341,890, 39 years and 11 years, respectively. The Internet was extensively used by 47.5 percent of the respondents, and 51.2% accessed the Internet with their mobile phones. Information sourced included responses to farmers’ feedback (76.2%) and better dissemination techniques (72.5%). Many (56.2%) perceived use of Internet positively. A significant relationship existed between extent of use and perception of Internet use for innovation management (r = 0.231 p < 0.05). It is therefore recommended that extension agencies should provide facilities to increase Internet access for extension agents and re-orientate them on better use of the Internet for sourcing and disseminating of innovation in order to sustain extension system for agricultural transformation.

Keywords: Innovation management, extension services, and Internet use