Access to Information and Communication Technologies Service Delivery among Extension Agents of Gombe State, Nigeria

This study examined the access of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in agricultural extension service delivery by extension agents of Gombe State, Nigeria. Specifically, the socioeconomic characteristics along with the various types of ICT facilities used by the respondents were identified and described, and their accessibility determined. Data were collected from 79 agricultural extension agents in the state using structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority (73.61%) of the respondents were male whose age ranges from 50-59 years and majority (95.84%) had tertiary education certificate which ease their understanding and utilization of ICT facilities. The types and most accessed ICT facilities used to obtained agricultural information in the area were radio, television and GSM/handset. Moreover, extension agents who belong to social associations had easy access to new inventions hosted by ICTs than their non-members counterparts and are capable of acquiring the ICT facilities needed for their optimum operations since they have an average income of N75,097/month. The regression analysis reveals that respondents' income, work experience, membership of association, access to ICT facilities and educational level were statistically significant and positively affect the use of ICT in extension service delivery. The major constraints militating against effective use of ICT facilities in the extension centers were lack of interactive communication, low access to internet connected computers, erratic and unstable power supply, lack of opportunity to ask questions, inadequate research materials and publications as this could have negative impact on agricultural operations. The study recommends among others that both government and non-governmental organizations should always organize training workshops on the use of ICT facilities in agricultural extension. Extension agents should be encouraged to join agricultural associations, as participation in these associations increases usage of ICT facilities for effective extension service delivery.