ASSESSMENT OF ICT ACCEPTANCE AND AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS ACROSS THE RICE PRODUCTION CYCLE AMONG RICE FARMERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed information and communication technologies (ICTs) acceptance and agricultural information needs across the rice production cycle among rice farmers in Kano state, Nigeria. A sample of three hundred and twenty nine (329) respondents was randomly selected through the multi stage sampling technique in the study area. The instruments used for data collection was a structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. For kinds of information needed at different stages of the rice production cycles, (64.13%) of the respondents frequently sourced information on improved seed variety, land preparation, climate conditions, while (48.94%) of the respondents sourced information on crop health, pests and diseases control. The study concluded that rice farmers in the study area frequently sourced information needed on improved seed varieties, land preparation, and weather and climate, while information on crop health, pests and disease control and fertilizer use and weed control was moderately sourced across the rice production cycle. The farmers also recorded high levels of ICT acceptance in terms of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards use, and intention to use ICTs for rice farming. The findings therefore indicate that ICTs can serve as an important complement to conventional agricultural extension services in providing timely agricultural information to rice farmers across the different stages of rice production. The agricultural extension organizations and research institutes should develop ICT-based information services that address farmers’ needs at each stage of the rice production cycle. Particular attention should be given to less frequently source.