Perception of Utilization of Digital Technologies Among Arable Crop Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed arable crop farmers’ perception of the use of digital technology in Imo State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting the 120 arable crop famers. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using means, percentages and correlation analysis. Results showed that A mean score of (x̄ = 3.0+0.45) and (x̄= 3.5+0.71) on a five-point Likert-type scale showed that respondents had a positive perception of the use and relevance of digital technologies for arable crop production, respectively. The major challenges to the utilization of digital technologies were lack of digital skill (77.78%), poor digital infrastructure (75.00%) and high cost of digital tools (75.00%). There was a positive and significant correlation between the level of education (r=0.502), farm income (r= 0.442) and farming experience (r= 0.334) and utilization of digital technologies). Arable crop farmers in the state appreciate the need for digital technologies. Government should subsidize the cost of digital tools and improve the digital infrastructure