EFFECTS AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH ICT USE BY YAM FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study examined the effects and constraints associated with the use of ICT facilities by yam farmers in Benue State. Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the demographic characteristics of the farmers, identify the determinants of ICT use and analyzed the effect of ICT on the output of yam farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that majority 68.3% of the farmers were within the active an innovative age. Majority 71.25% were married and have one form of education or the other. Most of the farmer 67.5% used mobile phone for communication. The respondents perceived all the constraints identified as severe with the exception of lack of confidence and lack of interest. Quantity of yam sett, labour and access to ICT facilities were significant determinants of yam output. Yam farmers however, have room to increase their output by increasing their fertilizer and frequency of staking materials. Yam yield after the use of ICT was significantly higher than before ICT use with z-value of 3.33, as such it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between ICT used and yam farmers productivity