Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Use of ICT Tools for Accessing Agricultural Information among Dry-Season Rice Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become important tools for agricultural information dissemination and technology transfer. This study examined the factors affecting the use of ICT tools for accessing agricultural information among dry-season rice farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 353 rice farmers. Descriptive statistics and Cragg’ double-hurdle model were employed for data analysis. Results revealed that the majority (92.4%) of respondents were male, while 30.9% had secondary education. Most respondents (88.7%) identified farming as their primary occupation. Mobile phones (99.6%), radio (79.4%), and television (63.0%) were the most utilized ICT tools. The frequency of use showed that mobile phones and radio were frequently used for agricultural information access. The double-hurdle model indicated that education, major occupation, household size, cost of ICTs, and farmers’ attitudes significantly influenced ICT utilization. The study recommends strengthening rural ICT infrastructure, improving farmers’ digital literacy, and increasing extension support to enhance access to agricultural information among rice farmers.