ASSESSMENT OF LEVELS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGY APPLICATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION FORSUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study assessed the levels of ICT application on agricultural production towards economy recovery. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between ICT and Agricultural production; and identified the challenges faced by the department as regard the use of ICT in
agricultural production, husbandry, and marketing of farm produce. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 50lecturers and students of department of Agriculture in the college. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire. Data analysis and hypotheses testing were carried out using frequency distribution tables, simple percentages and chi square. The findings showed that the level at which farmers applied ICT in agricultural production, record keeping and marketing was low which was represented by 30%. The study found that there was relationship between ICT and agricultural production. This finding was supported by the chi-square result in which the X² calculated (40.62) is greater than X² tabulated (21.026).The study identified challenges being faced by farmers on ICT application to include lack of education (70%); lack of technical knowhow (70%); inadequate funding
(70%); lack of government intervention (72%); inadequate power supply (80%); poor internet infrastructures (72%); high cost of maintenance of internet infrastructures (74%); and lack of support for intensive use of e-learning network for teaching and learning by the government. It was concluded that the level at which ICT was applied by farmers to boost agricultural activities was low. It was however recommended that harmonized ICT curriculum should be introduced at all level of education; adequate ICT infrastructure must be provided; farmers should have
access to good and affordable internet connectivity and there must be availability of constant/adequate power supply