Application of ICTs in agricultural extension delivery services in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural extension delivery services in Benue State, Nigeria. Forty respondents were selected. Primary data were used, and collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Research findings revealed that respondents had low level of access to ICT facilities, as the mean value of their access level for most of the ICT facilities was below the medium scale (2.00). The ICTs with high access were radio ( ̅ = 2.50), television ( ̅ = 2.35) and Mobile phones ( ̅ = 2.78). The respondents had a high usage of mobile phones ( ̅ = 4.00), radio ( ̅ = 4.00), television ( ̅ = 3.83), internet connected computers ( ̅ = 3.00) and printers ( ̅ = 2.08). The constraints to the application of ICTs by the respondents were infrastructural, financial and technical in nature. Based on these findings, it was recommended that ICT facilities be provided in the work places of extension agents, provision of infrastructure required for the operation of ICTs, and provision of financial assistance to extension agents with respect to procurement and maintenance of ICTs.