Information and Communication Technologies for Transforming Agricultural Production and Rural Income of Women Farmers in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Authors: Okereke - Ejiogu NE, Chikaire JU, Nnadi FN and Emerhirhi Emily*

Volume 3, Issue 4

Abstract

ICTs when harnessed meaningfully can remedy the ailments and challenges facing rural poor farmers. This is true because ICTs have a strong focus on improving the wellbeing of rural communities and rural farm families; reducing poverty; sustaining environmental resources; and achieving food security. This study examined ICT potentials to transform and empower rural women farmers in Imo State Nigeria. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select 130 ICT user women farmers in the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was done using percentages, mean and standard deviation. The commonest ICT devices used includes mobile phones (100%) and radio (99.2%). ICT capability includes its use for product advertising (M=3.20), delivering information about selling products (M=2.84), improving interaction (M=2.82), improving production systems (M=3.14), help farmer cooperatives organize (M=2.82) and others. The following were constraints to use of ICT- high cost of hardware (98.5%), access to energy (93.4%), programs not meeting needs (91.5%). To address the above, regular training, reduced cost of hardware, provision of energy and improve network coverage be vigorously pursued to enhance farmer productivity.

Keywords: ICT; Income; Rural; Capability; Farmers

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