Nenna MG
The study assessed the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among cassava farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Structural interview instruments, validated by experts in agricultural extension were used to collect data from 300 respondents through convenience method. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean scores were used, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used as inferential statistical tool. The results showed that majority of the respondents were female, aged, married with good level of education and a wide range of farming experience. Moblie phones, radio and television ranked the most sources of awareness and utilized ICTs in receiving agricultural information related to cassava production. The result indicated that the respondents rated market information, pest management and access to credit as highly relevant to cassava production activities. The major constraints to the respondents’ full participation in cassava production were, high cost of ICTs, inadequate access, technical know-how, and high level of poverty among the resource poor farmers. The result of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis showed positive and significant relationship between all the selected socio-economic characteristics considered and level of utilization of ICTs. The study suggested easy affordability and accessibility of ICT facilities to cassava farmers by government and non-governmental agencies. Finally better skill acquisition on the use of ICTs to be made available to cassava farmers for maximum production and utilization, as well benefit immensely from the potentials of ICTs for improved living standard of life.
