Effectiveness of ICT-based extension services in disseminating agricultural information to farmers

Abstract:

Can Information and Communication Technology (ICT) bridge the gap between agricultural research institutions and farming communities in rural Nigeria? This research assessed the effectiveness of ICT-based extension services among 240 smallholder farmers in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, using a cross-sectional survey from March to September 2023. Respondents were selected through stratified random sampling. A structured schedule measured awareness, access, and satisfaction with ICT tools including mobile advisories, community radio, and web kiosks. Results showed 68.3% of farmers had accessed at least one ICT channel in the preceding year. Mobile advisory services recorded the highest adoption (71.6%), followed by social media groups (42.8%). Farmers with secondary education were 2.7 times more likely to adopt ICT channels (OR = 2.74, p<0.01). Perceived relevance and ease of access emerged as the strongest predictors of continued use. ICT platforms improved information reach, though disparities linked to age, literacy, and infrastructure persist.