Problems Associated with the Use of Internet Facilities among Rural Farmers and Extension Workers in Benue State

Abstract

The survey was conducted in Benue State to analyze the major problems associated with the use of Internet facilities. The population of this study consisted of all rural farmers and extension workers in the study area. However, a sample size of 193 respondents was selected using purposive, snow ball and simple random techniques. Data for this study were collected mainly from primary sources, through the use of a well structured questionnaire along-side interview technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages as well as inferential statistics such as factor analysis. It was found that, high cost of computers HCOC (0.905*), high cost of air time HCOA (0.881*) and lack of skills and knowledge LOSK (0.854*), were the socio-economic factors that affected respondents in the use of internet facilities. Others such as lack of awareness of existence of internet facilities LAEI (0.932**), lack of internet facilities LIF (0.905**) and inadequate network IANW (0.926**) and so on were the infrastructural factors that affected respondents. It is recommended that, government should collaborate with other stake holders with a view to putting in place, a legal and institutional framework which will enhance a full take off of the internet usage among farmers and extension workers.

Key words: Internet Facilities, Rural Farmers, Extension Workers.