Utilization of Selected Information and Communication Technologies in Disseminating Agricultural Technologies to Farmers by Extension Agents in Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria

New and emerging technologies challenge the traditional agricultural information dissemination process and the way the information is managed. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is having a major impact in the departure from the traditional way that the government, media, academics, and others have controlled information. This study investigates different ICT facilities available for disseminating agricultural technologies to farmers; examined the socio-economic characteristics of extension agents; determined attendance of ICT training and ICTs used by extension agents in disseminating agricultural technologies. Data were obtained from 287 extension agents (EAs) in Ogun and Oyo of Nigeria with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed with frequency counts, percentages and Spearman's rho and Chi-square analyses were conducted to test significant relationship among variables. The results showed that both male and female were involved in extension service; different ICT facilities were available and extension agents used these different ICTs to disseminate agricultural technologies to farmers. Also sex of (EAs) (x2=77.355; p<0.05), marital status (x2=275.125; p<0.05) and years of experience in extension service (r=0.732; p<0.05) have significant relationship with the use of ICTs. It was concluded that ICT facilities used in disseminating agricultural technologies to farmers had improved extension services in the two States.