Awareness and uses of science and technology information among rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study set out to examine the awareness and uses of science and technology information among rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. To this end, the survey research design using the instrument of questionnaire was used to determine the uses and gratifications of science and technology information among rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State. With a total number of 20,000 rice farmers in the state according to Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Meyer’s statistical method (1979) was used to determine the sample. To this end, 384 respondents were drawn for the study. It was found out in the study that rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State do not have adequate information on science and technology to assist them in their farming. Consequently, they end up making grave mistakes that are detrimental to their farm business. It is therefore recommended that information on science and technology should be made more commonly available so farmers can access them and thereby improve their productivity.