ICT APPLICATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION DELIVERY IN RIVERS STATE: THE PROSPECT

Abstract

The broad objective of the study was to analyze the prospect of ICT application in agricultural extension delivery in Rivers State. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from 100 respondents. Eighty farmers and 20 extension workers were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency counts, percentage and mean statistics. The study revealed that the major ICT tool used for agricultural extension delivery was GSM phones (75%), television (55%) and CD/DVD player (53%). The approaches to the use of ICT in extension delivery were: mobile telephone (77%), illustrated printed materials (70%) and DVD/CD based books. Factors that determine the effective application of ICT in extension delivery are the use of data base driven websites to make information sharing and access easier, giving attention to ICT training for staff responsible for agricultural and rural development, creating agricultural websites, and creating zonal internet centres in communities. Finally, the study recommended computer literacy for both extension workers and farmers for effective application of ICT in extension education.