FACTORS INFLUENCING USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN ZARIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the factors influencing usage of ICTs among maize farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to select 120 maize farmers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the maize farmers were dominantly males (93.3%) with the mean age of 34 years. Majority (76.7%) were married with large household sizes of up to 10 persons (64%). Most (95.0%) of the maize farmers had various levels of education while majority (68.33%) have up to 10 years of farming experience. However, low productivity is observed as their earnings (85%) are less than N50,000/month, while 65% do not have access to credit. The results of regression analysis reveals that age of the maize farmers was positively significant at (P<0.05). This implies that as the age of the farmers increase there is more likelihood of using ICT. Farming experience was negatively significant at (P<0.01). It means that as the experience of the farmer’s increases there is less likelihood using ICT. The extension agent was positively significant at (P<0.10). It connotes that there is more likelihood in ICT usage as the extension participation increases. The study concludes that age, farming experience and contact with extension agents are the factors that influence the proper usage of ICT among maize farmers in the study area. It can be therefore recommended that aggressive awareness/sensitization campaign to be hosted by extension agents for farmers to be encouraged to access and optimally utilize ICT facilities in order to enhance their productivity.