Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among Extension Workers in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by agricultural extension workers in Borno State. Data were collected from 138 extension workers spread across the three  Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Zones in the state. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both  descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results revealed that 54% of the respondents were 40 years of age or younger, with virtually all (98%) having at least the Ordinary National Diploma (OND). Radio was the most popular ICT facility accessed by the respondents while the Internet was the least. However, in terms of appropriateness of the ICT facilities as source of information for extension purposes, it was perceived that the Internet was the most important ICT facility. This was followed by radio, while telephone was the least in importance. The level of education of the respondents was the most important factor that significantly influenced utilization of ICTs for extension purposes (ƒÏ . 0.01). Age of the  respondents (ƒÏ . -0.05) and working experience (ƒÏ . 0.05) also significantly influenced utilization of ICTs for extension purposes. The major constraints to the utilization of ICTs for extension purposes were poor infrastructure, as reported by 78.67% of the respondents and non availability of ICT facilities, as reported by 62.00% of the respondents. It was therefore recommended that rural areas should be provided with basic infrastructure such as electricity; and extension workers should be encouraged to upgrade their educational levels as well as their competencies in the use of ICTs.