AWARENESS OF SMART-MEDIA TOOLS FOR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION UTILISATION AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the awareness of smart-media tools for agricultural extension (SMTsAE) utilisation among maize farmers in three selected States in Nigeria. Multistage random and purposeful sampling procedures were used selecting 456 maize farmers for the study.   Data were obtained using mixed methods and triangulations of the survey instruments through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that the relationship between the mean ages of the maize farmers from adopted and non-adopted villages of NEARLS as 45.4 and 45.8 with standard deviation 9.793 and 11.200 respectively, mean farmland sizes of 1.44 and 1.45 (ha) with Std. dev. 4.990 and 6.823. Both respondents had an average household size of 6 persons per household in the NAERLS-adopted and non-adopted villages, respectively. The results on awareness showed that 21% and 16% of respondents from the adopted villages got it from extension agents and radio while 16% accessed it from the internet. 18% 15% of respondents from the non-adopted villages got it from extension agents and radio while14% accessed it from the internet. The results further revealed that text messaging, facebook and whatsApp were highly accessible by the respondents with a mean score (4.76), (4.58) and (4.46), respectively.   A significant proportion (28.6%) of the studied maize farmers utilised the SMTsAE for sourcing general agricultural information, followed by sourcing inputs (25.7%), and sourcing agribusiness market outlets (13.1%), respectively. The major challenge faced was inadequate finance (9.86%). The study concludes that the maize farmers in the study area were aware and utilised SMTsAE in sourcing agricultural information and inputs. The study recommends that private-public sector digital tool developers should develop a user-friendly tools, policies and technical support for sustainability.