Effect 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 analyze the effects 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 and innovative age. Majority (71.25%) were married and have one form of education or the other. Most of the farmers (67.5%) used mobile phones for communication. The respondents perceived all constraints identified as severe with exceptions of lack of confidence and lack of interests. Quantity of yam sett, labour and access to ICT facilities were significant determinants of yam output (there is no where in the body of the work where “Decision to use ICT” stands as the dependent variable. Rather it is “ Yam output”. Yam farmers however, have room to increase their output by increasing their fertilizers and quantity of staking materials (theses recommendations are not from your findings). Yam yield after the use of ICT significantly higher than before ICT use with z-value of 3.33, as such it can be concluded that there is a significant use between ICT use and farmers productivity. Include some z-scores, r squared. End with major recommendation. Keywords: Effects, Constraints, ICT Use, Yam Farmers