Information and Communication Technology Roles in Improving Women Farmers Access to Agricultural/Agribusiness Services in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 4
Abstract
This study examined Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) roles in improving women farmer’s access to agricultural services and agribusiness in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire distributed to 110 respondents randomly selected from the 10 extension blocks in Orlu Agricultural zone. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, mean scores and standard deviation. The results obtained showed that ICT devices available in the area included radio, mobile phones, television and newspaper among others. However, mobile phone is the most readily available (ICT) device (87.3%), followed by Radio (74.5%). It was also observed that ICTs play significant roles in improving women’s access to agricultural service and agribusiness as as indicated by a mean score of 2.50 Several factors constrained the use of ICT devices. Among these factors were; network problems/connectivity(M=4.00), high cost of ICT devices (M=3.47), widespread illiteracy (M = 2.96), low level of awareness (M=2.55), poor saving ability (M=2.47), insufficient income (M=2.12), and language illiteracy (M=2.00). This study thus recommended that government should provide rural infrastructure especially electricity supply, good road network etc in the study area, establishment of ICT centers where farmers can acquire practical computer training for the enhancement of ICT use. Information on agricultural services and agribusiness should be made available to farmers through their mobile phones in their local language and it should be timely for effective utilizationGlobally, agriculture takes center stage as the engine that can transform nations’ economies. Similarly, the place and role of smallholder farmers from local to global levels are recognized by the respective governments and international partners as a way to avoid age-old problems like hunger and miserable lives. Currently, it is believed that smallholder farmers can feed the world’s undernourished people [1,2]. Accordingly, agriculture employs about 62% of the population in SSA (excluding South Africa) and generates about 27% of the Gross Domestic Product [3]. Agriculture accounts for the vast majority of the poor’s livelihood activities and also holds the most promise for pro-poor economic growth [4]. Smallholder farmers, mostly women, who produce the majority of agricultural products, face various challenges, including access to adequate information, services, and key value chains [5]. Many women experience a life that is a complex web of multiple roles and multi task.
Authors and Affiliations
Anyoha NO, Chikaire JU, Godson Ibeji CC, Ogueri EI, Utazi CO
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP571328
- DOI 10.32474/CIACR.2018.03.000170
- Views 102
- Downloads 0
Methods for Protecting Hotels Against Rodents
Droppings: Rodent droppings are a sure sign that rats or mice are present, and will indicate the type of rodent, the size of the infestation, and where they are most active. Mouse droppings are small, less than one quart...
Diagnosis of Phytophthora in Soil Samples by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Phytophthora infestans is the most notorious causing Late blight of potato and tomato, globally. The word Phytophthora is derived from the Greek word: Phyto = plant, phthora = destroyer. Potato is a native of the North A...
Effect of Triflumuron and Diflubenzuron on Survivability and Developmental Period of Life Stages of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Under Laboratory Conditions
The contact action of triflumuron (TFM) and diflubenzuron (DFB) on development and survivability of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were studied. The mean developmental period was recorded in different concentrations of bot...
Study on On-farm Dairy Cattle husbandry Practices in Walmera District of Oromia Regional State
This study was carried out with the objective of studying on-fam dairy cattle husbandry practices in the Walmera district of Oromia regional state. The dairy cattle husbandry practices were based on f...
Assessment of the Application of Micro-Irrigation Systems and Calculation of the Definition of its Economic Efficiency in the Conditions of Azerbaijan
For a well-known purpose in 2010-2015, Guba-Khachmaz RAEM, Tartar and RAEM Shamakhi TSB have been confirmed by numerous research findings in the field of mountain watering, in terms of the development of irrigation, the...