ICT database use and information utilization by Nigerian Scientists in agricultural research institutes

Abstract

The research was designed to investigate the correlation between information technology (ICT) use and agricultural information utilization by scientists in Nigerian Research Institutes; determine scientists' ICT knowledge; frequency of ICT use; types of ICT used and problems associated with ICT use. The correlation research and descriptive design were used for the study with a population of 1,153 scientists from 10 agricultural research institutes and a sample size of 101 selected through stratified/proportionate random sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and 192 copies of returned questionnaire were usable. Data collected was analyzed using frequency tabulations and counts, and scores. Frequency counts were scored using Likert 4-point scale. A hypothesis was formulated to test the relationship between ICT use, and agricultural information utilization. Pearson Product Correlation coefficient was used for test of hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance at 90 degree of freedom. Result showed a significant correlation between ICT use and agricultural information utilization by scientists, that scientists had high level of ICT literacy, patronized ICT on weekly, monthly and bi-monthly rates. ICT types used were identified and problems of ICT use as low bandwidth, low broadband; slow speed network and poor maintenance culture were identified. Recommendations included  resources showing in line with FG/Galaxy Backbone accord, integrating maintenance culture in ICT development agenda and  integrating local content digitization to promote North-South reciprocal information inter-glow for a comprehensive information globalization.