Analysis of utilization of mobile phones in agricultural information dissemination among maize farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated maize farmers’ utilization of mobile phones in accessing agricultural information in Ondo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 100 maize farmers. Data for the study was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed by descriptive (frequency counts, percentages and mean) and inferential (correlation) statistics. Findings revealed that maize farmers were young with mean age of 43.5 years. Most (69%) of the farmers were male and 89% were married. Maize farmers were mainly found to accessed range of agricultural information by using voice calls (99%), phone radio (89%) and SMS platforms (88%). The level of utilization of internet, WhatsApp, Facebook, emails and multimedia was low. Correlation analysis result revealed significant relationships between farmers’ level of education (r = 0.446, p≤0.05), maintenance cost (r=0.325, p≤0.05) and utilization of mobile phones. The basic features of the mobile phones were found as the main sources of disseminating agricultural information to the maize farmers. Thus, the device is currently underutilized. The study recommends adequate training of extension agents and farmers on the use of mobile phone with provision of support infrastructure to promote its usage in disseminating agricultural information.