Problems associated with the utilization of information and communication technologies among farmers in Southeast agro ecological zone of Nigeria

The study examines problems associated with the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Southeast agro ecological zone of Nigeria. Data for the study was collected with the aid of interview schedule from 270 randomly selected farmers in the study area. Data analysis was thorugh the use of mean scores. The identified problems associated with the utilization of ICTs include ignorance, lack of ICT resources, cost of access is high, not capable in manipulating some ict facilities, lack of electricity supply, lack of network coverage, cyber problem. It is therefore recommended that adequate structure be put in place to remove these problems so that usage of information and communication technologies will be adequate

Effect of access to ICT on the use of internet among farmers in South East Nigeria

A study was conducted on effect of access to information and communication technology on the use of internet among farmers in South East Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from 270 respondents from the study area. Data analysis was by the use of mean scores and simple regression. The study found that internet use correlated positively and significantly with accessibility, with a t-value of 3.462. The implication of this finding is that accessibility to ICTs will influence internet use. There is no doubt that usage of extent ICT such as internet is a function of awareness of the type of ICT available and needed for extension. Based on this it is recommended that public awareness on the use of ICT will enhance usage to a very large extent and should be strongly encouraged

Youths Attitude To Rural Development Projects In Ogba Communities Of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study examined attitude of youth towards rural development projects in Ogba communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty youths in the study area were involved in the study and data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule. Data analysis was by the use of descriptive tools. The findings of the study revealed that youths in the study area have favourable attitude towards development projects. It was also found that improper and inadequate awareness, low level of exposure, Non-challant attitude, insufficient training, lack of encouragement by chiefs and elders of the community, intermittent change of government, selfishness on the part of the youth leaders were the factors that affected youth participation in development. Adequate awareness programmes should be put in place to encourage youths to participate more in rural development projects. Also, training in the form of participatory seminars and workshops would help the youths to be more proactive. Keywords: Youths attitude, rural development projects, Ogba communities, Rivers State, NigeriaGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 4 (1) 2008: pp. 11-1

Effect of agroforestry prunings on seed yam yield and size of seed yam

The study investigated effect of agroforestry prunings on seed yam yield and size of seed yam. Fresh plant pruning from 4 multipurpose tree species- Dactyladenia barteri, Gliricidia sepium, Pentaclethra macrophylla, and spondias mombin were applied and two yam minisetts sixes (25g and 45g), were laid out in field plots of 5m x 4m in a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) and replicated three (3) times. Some samples were taken per plot at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently monthly for four (4) months after application of green mulch for analysis. Samples of each green mulch were taken by the time of application for nutrient content determination. The green mulch was applied two (2) weeks after planting yam minisetts at 4t /ha and was incorporated into the soil at first weeding. Yam minisetts (Cultivar Obiaoturugo) was planted in the month of June at 40,000 stands ha-1 and harvested in December. At harvest, the total seed yam yield was measured. Application of Spondias mombim mulch resulted in the highest number of tubers having weights greater than 200g, while the least number of seed yams weighing greater than 200g was obtained with the control. Application of prunings resulted to significantly higher seed yam yield over the control (no application) in both 2000 and 2001 cropping seasons. In the year 2000, the highest seed yam yield of 4.87t ha-1 was obtained with Gliricidia sepium

Utilization Of Yam Minisett Technology Among Farmers In Delta North Agricultural Zone Of Delta State, Nigeria

This paper examined the utilization of minisett technology among farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Two local government areas were purposively sampled based on their outstanding involvement in yam production. Two communities were also purposively selected from the area from where 50 respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Data were collected with use of structured interview schedule and analyzed with descriptive statistics as well as probit model statistics. Result of the study revealed an R2 value of 0.65 indicating that 65% of variation in the utilization of the technology was accounted for by the variables under consideration in this study. Specifically farmers' sex, educational status, membership of cooperative societies as well as purpose of seed yam production were positively related to utilization of the yam minisett technology in the study area. It is therefore recommended that Extension agents should assist the farmers to join cooperative societies. This will enable them have easy access to the credits, farm inputs and their technical information normally made available to such cooperative societies. Again, formation of young farmers' club in the area will go a long way in capturing and sustaining interest of youths in farming and yam production in particular. Yam production is labour intensive, labour required for such enterprise is more available with the youths hence the need for their involvement. Furthermore, women folks should also be encouraged to participate in seed yam production through having access to the minisett technology as well as other essential factors of production Keywords: utilization, yam minisett technology, farmersGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 92-9

Effect Of Utilization Of ICTs For Agricultural Information On Socio-Economic Characteristics Of Farmers In Southeastern Nigeria

There is no doubt that Information and communication has emerged as a useful and more reliable agricultural extension tool for development process. Interestingly, farmers who are the beneficiaries of agricultural extension programmes have embraced this technology but have been hampered by certain challenges bordering on their socioeconomic characteristics. This study investigates the effect of utilization of ICTs for agricultural information on socioeconomic characteristics of farmers in southeastern Nigeria. Structured interview was administered on 270 respondents in the study area. Data analysis was by the use of multiple regression. Findings revealed that Age, education, marital status and income significantly influenced utilization of ICT for agricultural information by farmers. It was recommended that efforts should be made by Federal, State and Local Governments to provide adequate ICT resources in both urban and rural areas. The Ministry of Information and Communication need to carry out a massive sensitization of the potentials of the ICTs for the speedy or timely dissemination of information to farmers. Intensive training in the use of ICTs should be organized by government to enable farmers know how to make use of varied ICT resources. Massive awareness campaign should be conducted among farmers articulating the use as well as relevance of ICTs in agricultural information exchange.Key words: agricultural information, socio-economic characteristics, farmer

Comparative economic analysis of seed yam production techniques in Nigeria

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 38 2007: pp. 92-9