Availability, access and utilization of ICTS and its tools among poultry farmers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

A descriptive survey was conducted to investigate the availability, access and utilization of ICTs and tools among poultry farmers for improved  production in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. One hundred and ten poultry farmers were purposively selected from eleven communities in the study area. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies,
percentages and central tendency statistics. Results of the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers revealed that majority were males, married and literate within the age of 35 – 44 years. The most available/accessible and utilized ICTs and tools based on the ranking order that could enhance productivity of the poultry farmers were: mobile phones, televisions, radios and PCS/laptops. Serious constraints to the availability/access and utilization of these facilities were very poor electricity supply, poor network reception, lack of technical experience in manipulating ICT tools and high cost of ICT tools. However, lack of physical access was reported as a mild constraint by the farmers. Based on the findings the following recommendations were proffered: the education of farmers by extension personnel on the benefits of ICTs and tools, allowing the access and use of the more sophisticated ICTs and tools such as the CCTV cameras for various surveillance activities on the farm, the establishment of Agro-ICT  centers for training of farmers to gain knowledge in manipulative skills in ICTs and tools and the provision of constant electricity power supply to ensure effective utilization of ICT tools.

Keywords: ICTs and tools, Availability, Access and utilization, Poultry farmers, Poultry production, Bayelsa State