Analysis of information and communication technologies (ICTS) use among cassava farmers in Ikom agricultural zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed ICT use among cassava farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. It aimed at ascertaining the level of access to ICT by cassava farmers, determining the level of ICT use for cassava farmers and determining the difference between yields of cassava farmers who use ICT and those who do not. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from the study revealed that radio, mobile phone, television and social media were the most frequently accessed ICT tools in the study area. They had mean scores of x̅ = 3.73, x̅ = 3.61, x̅ = 3.07 and x̅ = 3.02, respectively. All other ICTs had a mean score of x̅ = < 2.5 which means they were not accessible to farmers. Similarly, the frequently used ICTs in the study area were radio (x̅ =3.57), television (x̅ =3.50), mobile phone (x̅ =3.49) and social media (x̅ =3.46). Finally, result comparing the yields of cassava farmers who use ICTs and those who do not reveals that, while there was a 1.33 mean difference in output of famers who use ICT and farmers who do not, the difference was not significant given that the P value = 0.251. This is perhaps due to the inadequate knowledge of use and application to increase output. Based on the findings, the study recommends that farmers be given opportunity through extension agent to learn skills needed on the use of ICT tools for better cassava production.