COMPETENCES OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN THE USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

• O.M. Akinnagbe

  Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Emails: omakinnagbe

  Author

The study assessed the competences of agricultural extension workers in the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from sixtyfour (64) field extension workers in Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) using structured and validated questionnaire. Frequency, percentages and mean statistic were used to analyze data collected. The result of the study shows that majority of the respondents (76.6 %) were male, with the mean age of 34 years, while 60.9% have BSc as their highest educational qualification. Result also revealed that mobile phones (x̅=1.84) was the most frequently used ICT tools among the respondents. Extension workers were competent in the use of mobile phone for sending and receiving text messages and taking pictures (x̅=2.81) and also on how to communicate through emails – sending and receiving emails (x̅=2.32). The major factor influencing the use of ICT by extension workers include lack of relevant policies for usage of ICTs for dissemination of agricultural information (x̅=3.23), exposure of extension workers on relevant ICT tools available (x̅=3.23) and power instability (x̅=3.21). A significant association exist between age and respondents’ competence level (χ2 = 66.3613; P≤ 0.05). The study recommends design of deliberate Policy and plans for use of ICTs in agricultural information dissemination system for the state ADP.

1. O.M. Akinnagbe, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Emails: omakinnagbe

   Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Emails: omakinnagbe

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