Internet Use for Agricultural Knowledge Generation and Dissemination among Researchers in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

An educational resource on internet for agricultural knowledge generation is one of the means for agricultural researchers/lecturers to remain updated to issues and happening in their field of study worldwide. This study examined the internet use for agricultural knowledge generation and dissemination among researchers and lecturers in Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, National Institute of Freshwater Fisheries Research and Federal College of Wildlife Management in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data were duly obtained using structured questionnaire which was administered randomly to 22 percent of the total population of researchers and lecturers in the 3 institutes. A total of 70 respondents were selected for the study. Descriptive statistical techniques used to analysed data collected include frequency count, percentages and Chi square analysis for empirical analysis. Results revealed that majority (82.9%) were male, aged between 40 – 49 years, with less than 10 years of research/lecturing experience. E-mail, search engine, social site and website were the most frequently used on internet. E-journal, e-book and FAO website were the most common websites visited by respondents. Uses of agricultural related websites were generally low on daily and weekly basis. Ejournal websites was often visited by majority (34.29%) for research publication. Constraints indicated by majority were slow internet and inadequate internet facilities. The study concludes that the extent of use of internet by the lecturers/researchers is relatively low. For lecturers and researchers in the study institutions to take full advantage of internet technology, it was recommended that government (Federal or State) should provide functional ICT facility (internet connected computer systems with appropriate software and hardware) for all lecturers and researchers in the institutions.

Keywords: Internet: Agricultural information: website: researcher/lecturer: