12 pages., Agriculture play significant role towards sustainability of developing nations’ economy particularly Nigeria by providing abundant raw materials required by the industry, as well as ensures food security and a healthy nation. This study examines the challenges of accessing agricultural information sources and services by farmers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. Survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprise of 16066 from which 78 farmers of the study area were selected using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling procedure. From the copies of questionnaires administered only 60 were duly completed and returned. Frequency and percentages were used in analyzing data collected. The findings from the study showed that information needs of farmers among others include application of improve techniques, irrigation management, seeds prices, farm wild fire management and prevention, purchase and use of fertilizer, government blueprint on agriculture, and meteorology information need of farmers in Edu Local Government . The findings further revealed that poor communication system, absence of library and information centre, absence of extension agents, insufficient knowledge on marketing of farm produce , insufficient credit facilities, insufficient information on government policies, insufficient fund were the challenges faced by farmers in accessing agricultural information sources and services. The study recommended among others that central facility providing and disseminating information on agricultural related services should be created in the study area that would be accessible to all farmers in order to meet their information needs.
53 pages., The study was design to investigate the information needs and resources utilization of rice farmers in Anyiin, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population of the study comprises rice farmers in Anyiin, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The sample size of 70 rice farmers was drawn from the population using simple random sampling technique. A self-design questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Frequency counts and percentages were used to analyzed the collected data. The findings of the study indicated that, rice farmers need information. The study also indicated that, the information resources needed by rice farmers in Anyiin are journals and pamphlets. The findings of the study showed that, the sources of information used by rice farmers in the area under study are extension services, research institutes and public library. The study also showed that, the rice farmers need information to get improved varieties, modern farm technology, market location, agricultural loan and credit facilities. The information needs of the rice farmers under study are not being satisfied. The study showed that, the rice farmers are faced with the problem of high cost of information resources, inadequate funds and high level of illiteracy. The study concluded that a great number of rice farmers encountered difficulties in utilizing information resources to meet up their information needs. This is either because, most of the information resources are not adequately provided. The study recommended amongst others that, Government should organize and provide agricultural workshops for farmers. This is because, through this workshops and conferences, farmers will be trained on modern farming technique which in will help improve their farmer produces.
14 pages., via online journal., This study sought to identify the information communication technology (ICT) needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 108 farmers. Results revealed that the majority used radio and television and owned mobile phones and video machines. Constraints to use included capacity, infrastructural/technical and logistical problems. The study recommends that the Nigerian government reorient its policies in order to harness the potential of ICTs to contribute to agricultural development and highlights the need to raise awareness of the agricultural uses of ICTs among the government, other national stakeholders, and rural communities.
