Utilisation of Digital Technologies among Rural Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Utilisation, Digital technologies, Rural farmers, Imo StateAbstract
This study assessed the utilisation of digital technologies (DTs) among rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 140 farmers were selected using a two-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using percentage, mean, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study revealed that respondents were aware of digital technologies such as smartphones (90.8%), cell phones (85.4%), while 78.5% were aware of laptops. The majority (62.3%) had high access to digital technologies, and 67.7% had a positive attitude towards the utilisation of DTs. High cost of digital tools (x? =1.67) and low income of farmers (x? =1.56) were the major constraints to the utilization of digital technologies. Smartphones (x? = 2.92) and cell phones (x? = 2.92) were the most commonly used devices in the area. Overall, the respondents (58.5%) rarely utilize DTs in the area, and there was a significant positive correlation between the respondents’ access to DTs and their level of use of these technologies (r = 0.725, p < 0.05). Government, NGOs, and private tech companies should collaborate to subsidise DTs and offer affordable or interest-free credit schemes to help farmers acquire smartphones, tablets, and farming software.References
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