Factors influencing use of information and communication technologies among farmers in rural Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explored the factors influencing the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among farmers in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The Punjab province is divided into three agro-ecological zones viz Northern, Central and Southern. In this study, one district from each zone was randomly selected. Total sample size comprises of 150 farmers. Farmers were interviewed using a self-administered interview schedule comprising of open and close-ended questions. Respondents’ access to ICTs was low level. Chi-square test revealed a significant association between the age of respondents and adoption of ICTs. Young respondents were leading users of ICTs in the study area. Size of landholding and income level of the respondents had a significant association with the frequency of use of ICTs in agriculture. Among various ICTs tools, mobile/cell phone attracted 47.3% of respondents to access agricultural information. Factors militating use of ICTs include; electricity/power issues (x̄=2.95/3.00), language barriers (x̄=2.93/3.00), limited knowledge and skills about ICTs (x̄=2.89/3.00), high cost (x̄=2.87/3.00) and limited availability of ICTs (x̄=2.85/3.00). Extent of ICTs use to access agricultural information can surge with the unit income level rise, enhanced access to ICTs and enhanced skill level to use ICTs.

Keywords: Agriculture information, small landholders, ICTs, rural Punjab