OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190404
Awareness and Utilization of Information Technology-Driven Agricultural Technologies among Rural Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria
Friday Ogar Idiku 1*, Essien Ekpenyong Nsa 2, Patrick Ogar 3, Victor Ushie Imanyi 4
1,3 Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
2 Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
4 Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
*Corresponding authour: idikuf@gmail.com
Volume 19, Issue 04, Pg. 41-54, 2026
Abstract: The integration of Information Technology (IT) into agriculture holds significant potential for transforming traditional farming practices, enhancing productivity, and improving farmers’ livelihoods. This study assessed the awareness and utilization of IT-driven agricultural technologies among farmers in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 384 farmers across three agricultural zones. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis. The results revealed a high level of awareness of basic technologies like mobile phones (95%) and radio/TV programs (82%), but low awareness of more advanced tools like drones (15%) and precision agriculture tools (12%). Major sources of information were radio/TV (78%), peers (65%), and mobile phone networks (60%), while extension agents (35%) and NGOs (28%) played a lesser role. Utilization was primarily for market access (70%) and financial transactions (via mobile money) (65%), but minimal for farm decision-support and precision tools. Socio-economic factors such as age, education, income, and ICT literacy significantly influenced both awareness and utilization (p<0.01). Key constraints included poor network connectivity (90%), high cost of technology (85%), unstable power supply (80%), and low digital literacy (75%). Farmers who utilized IT tools perceived significant benefits in market access, income, and decision-making. The study recommends strengthening extension services through IT integration, subsidizing smart technologies, improving rural digital infrastructure, and implementing targeted digital literacy training programs to enhance adoption and effective utilization.
Keywords: Digital Agriculture, ICT4Ag, Technology Adoption, Smallholder Farmers, Nigeria, Extension Services, Constraints.
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