Utilisation of Digital Technologies among Rural Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

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 analysed using percentages, mean statistics, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The study's results revealed that respondents were aware of digital technologies, including smartphones (90.8%), cell phones (85.4%), and laptops (78.5%). 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 (x̄ =1.67) and low income of farmers (x̄ =1.56) were the major constraints to the utilisation of digital technologies. Smartphones (x̄ =2.92) and cell phones (x̄ =2.92) were the most commonly utilised digital technologies in the area. Overall, the respondents (58.5%) rarely utilise digital technologies in the area, and there was a significant positive correlation between the respondents’ access to digital technologies and their level of use of these technologies (r = 0.725, p < 0.05). Government, NGOs, and private tech companies should collaborate to subsidise digital technologies and offer affordable or interest-free credit schemes to help farmers acquire smartphones, tablets, and farming software.