Dimensions of Accessibility and Use of Information Communication Technology Among Cocoa Farmers in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana

Authors

  • Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
  • Beatrice Offeibea Awuku Department of Language and Communication Skills, Ghana Institute of Journalism, Accra
  • Fred Ankuyi Department of Agricultural Extension, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
  • Ernest Laryea Okorley Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
  • Patrick Appiah
  • Collins Osei
  • John-Eudes Andivi Bakang

Keywords:

Accessibility of cocoa farmers to information communication technology, mobile phone, radio, television

Abstract

This research examined the drivers of accessibility and use of information communication technologies (ICTs) by cocoa farmers. A sample size of four hundred (400) cocoa farmers was selected using a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data were analysed using percentage, means, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and multiple linear regression model. The study revealed that mobile phones, radio and television are the most available (Mean=4.99, 4.95 and 4.85 respectively), accessible (Mean=4.97, 4.83 and 4.40 respectively) and utilised (Mean=4.97, 4.81 and 4.30 respectively) ICT tools by cocoa farmers. There is a relatively high level of availability of ICT (Mean=3.57), a moderate level of accessibility (Mean=2.90) and low use (Mean=2.19) of ICT tools. Cocoa farmers’ mainly used ICTs tools to acquire information on their cocoa farm activities (Mean=4.82). Gender, age, education and farmer-based organisation participation affected farmers accessibility of ICT tools. Age, education and farm experience significantly affected farmers’ use of ICT tools. The greatest challenge faced by cocoa farmers in accessing and using ICT tools is a lack of skills in operating the tools (Mean rank=2.24). Training on ICT use should be intensified by all relevant stakeholders to enable cocoa farmers to increase their use of ICT tools.

Author Biographies

Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

       

Beatrice Offeibea Awuku, Department of Language and Communication Skills, Ghana Institute of Journalism, Accra

       

Fred Ankuyi, Department of Agricultural Extension, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

     

Ernest Laryea Okorley, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast

     

Patrick Appiah

     

Collins Osei

     

John-Eudes Andivi Bakang

     

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Published

2024-01-09

How to Cite

Tham-Agyekum, E. K., Awuku, B. O., Ankuyi, F., Okorley, E. L., Appiah, P., Osei, C., & Andivi Bakang, J.-E. (2024). Dimensions of Accessibility and Use of Information Communication Technology Among Cocoa Farmers in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana . Journal of Agricultural Extension, 28(1), 1–11. Retrieved from https://journal.aesonnigeria.org/index.php/jae/article/view/3655

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2024): Journal of Agricultural Extension

Section

General Extension and Teaching Methods

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Copyright (c) 2024 Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Beatrice Offeibea Awuku, Fred Ankuyi, Ernest Laryea Okorley, Patrick Appiah, Collins Osei, John-Eudes Andivi Bakang

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