Analysis of Accessibility and Level of Knowledge of Farmers on the Use of ICT among Small Holder Rice Farmers in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined Analysis of accessibility and Level of Knowledge of Farmers on the Use of ICT among small holder rice farmers in Southeast, Nigeria. Specifically, it described ICT accessibility and level of knowledge of farmers in the use of ICT and Significant relationship between the farmers’ accessibility and knowledge and their level of use of ICT. Data were collected with a well-structured questionnaire from 476 randomly selected rice farmers and were analyzed using a combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, Analysis of variance, correlation and z-test. The information on ICT tools/format accessibility revealed that out of all the accessible ICT tools/format, only Radio set, Television, Mobile Phone, Short Message Services, and On-line Magazines were effectively used. It was discovered that rice farmers have a low knowledge on the use of ICT in their rice farms. Information meant for rice farmers should be tailored to their specific need and more trainings should be organized for rural people on the use of ICT tools/format to help boost their confidence and reliance on ICT gadgets for information were recommended. Keywords: Analysis of accessibility, Level of Knowledge, ICT gadgets, small holder rice farmers, Southeast Nigeria.