Perception of Extension Personnel on Suitability and Benefits of Using Social Media in Communicating Agricultural Information in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study ascertained suitability and benefits of using social media in communicating agricultural information. Ninety-seven extension workers proportionately selected from six agricultural zones in Enugu state, Nigeria constituted sample for the study. Questionnaire was used for collection of data while percentage and mean scores were used to present the data. Findings reveal that the majority (81.4%) of the respondents possessed facilities used in accessing social media, while Facebook (82.4%) and Whatsapp (74.2%) were social media resources used by the respondents. The majority (70.1%) of the respondents indicated that Facebook is a social medium suitable for communicating the best soil for different agricultural practices, while 69.1% indicated that it is suitable for creation of awareness and participation in agricultural program/project. Whatsapp is suitable for communicating market situation/agricultural commodity price (56.7%) and best soil for different agricultural practices (53.6%) . Respondents also indicated reduction of cost of communicating information in agriculture ( x̄ =1.81), increased access to useful agricultural information ( x̄ =1.79) and covering lapses of high farmer-extension ratio ( x̄ =1.77) as major benefits of using social media in agriculture .The study concluded that Facebook was social medium suitable for communicating most of agricultural information. Thus, extension personnel and other stakeholders in agriculture should use more of Facebook in communication of agricultural information to enhance effectiveness of extension work and agriculture generally.

Key-words: Social media, agricultural information, suitability, benefit