Determinants of Social Media Usage for Networking among Agricultural Extension Professionals in Selected Organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study identified the determinants of social media usage for networking among agricultural extension professionals in selected organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 73 respondents. Percentages, mean, and linear regression were utilized to meet the study’s objectives. Findings revealed that majority of the agricultural extension professionals (65.8%) were females, had at least an HND/B.Sc./B.Ed. degree (67.1%), with an average income of ₦213,262.00. Furthermore, the areas of usage of social media were mainly for Workshops, Seminars, and Trainings (97.3%), and the key determinants of social media usage identified were perceived usefulness (= 3.82). Socio-economic factors influencing social media usage include age, educational certificate, monthly income, years of experience, and membership of professional associations, all at a 5% level of significance. The study recommends that extension agencies and universities should organize seminars and training in social media usage for agricultural extension professionals to enhance their performance.