Information and Communication Technology Training Needs for Agricultural Extension Workers in Delta State, Nigeria

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Oghenero Ovharhe ¹ , Peter Emaziye ² , Elizabeth Yarhere ³ , Ajieh Chuks ⁴ , Deborah Igeh ⁵ , Faith Ugbunu ⁶

1 - Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
2 - Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
3 - Raw Materials Research & Development Council, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
4 - Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
5 - Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
6 - Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Received: 2021-03-26 Accepted : 2021-06-02 Published : 2021-06-10

Keywords: training needs, Information communication technology, Agricultural Extension,

Abstract :

The study investigated the training needs of agricultural extension workers on the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Some specific objectives were to ascertain the level of awareness on channels of information on ICT available to extension workers and to identify the constraints facing agricultural extension workers on the use of ICT in Delta State. A sample size of 80 was obtained; first, purposive and second, random sampling techniques. Information was gathered with a semi-structured questionnaire. Major results obtained revealed that the respondents’ awareness of information channels on ICT were mostly telephone (96.3%), photo camera (95.0%) and radio (93.9%). In the competence of ICT utilization, telephone with on-line forum (group chat) (mean = 3.6), and laptop (mean = 3.3) were most applicable. However, low competence in usage was recorded in video conferencing (mean = 2.0), and GPS (mean = 1.7). The most serious constraints were frequent power failure (mean = 3.7), high cost of ICT infrastructure coupled with poor communication network (mean = 3.6) in the rural areas of Delta State. Result of tested hypothesis showed that there was a significant relationship between social economic profile of respondents and ICT competence of extension workers (p <0.05). The benefits of the study is typical in the exposure of necessary training needs made available for development interventions. It was recommended that there ought to be regular electricity power supply, subsidized the high cost of ICT and availability of good communication network in rural areas. DOR: 20.1001.1.22517588.2021.11.2.4.8

References:

1. Agbamu, J. U. (2017). Training Needs of Agricultural Media Practitioners in the Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development, 1 (2), 32- 40.


2. Afsar, N. and Idrees, M. (2019). Farmers perception of agricultural extension services in disseminating climate change knowledge. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 35(3), 942-947.


3. Beever, G. (2017). Bennett’s Hierarchy Extension Program Evaluation Model. Agrifutures. https://extensionaus.com.au/extension-practice/bennetts-hierarchy-extension-program-evaluation-model.


4. Ebewore, S. O., Ovharhe, O. J. and Emaziye, P. O. (2015). Acceptability of Bush Meat as a Source of Animal Protein in Delta State, Nigeria: Implication for Extension. Journal of Northeast Agricultural University, 22 (3): 67–78


5. Egbunonu, C. M., Igwe, E. G and Anunibe, C. (2017). ICT use among Agricultural Extension Workers in Imo State, Nigeria. Fuoye Journal of Agriculture and Human Ecology, 1 (3), 8 – 18.


6. Obinna, L. O. and Maduka , A. O. (2017). Training needs of rural women entrepreneurs in non-farm enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 21(3), 34 – 44.


7. Ogebe, F. O. and Adanu, D. O. (2018). Impact of Training and Visit (T&V) Extension System on Outputs and Income of Cereals Farmers in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Quest Journals. Journal of Research in Business and Management, 6 (6), 42-49


8. Okwuokenye, G. F. and Ovharhe, O. J. (2017). Evaluation of The Agricultural Development Programme in Delta South Agricultural Zone: A Case Study of The Extension Sub-Unit of The Programme. Taraba Journal of Agricultural Research, 5 (2),41 – 48.


9. Ovharhe, O. J. (2019). Determinants of the socioeconomic profile of Fadama III Project beneficiaries in three States of Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Science by International Association of Research and Science, 4: 29 – 34.


10. Ovharhe, O. J., Achoja, F. O., Okwuokenye, G. F. and Joe-James, U. O. (2020). Appraisal of Backyard Farming among Households: Implications for Rural Development and Food Security in Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 10 (1),160 – 170.


11. Umar, S., Musa, M. W., Olayemi, Y. T. and Suleiman, R. (2015). Awareness and Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Extension Agents in Kaduna State of Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 19(1), 23–31.