Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C37163
Notes:
Posted at http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111223/food-safety-freshness-best-before-dates-111226/20111226/?hub=OttawaHome, Via CTV News, Ottawa, Canada. 2 pages.
Interviewed scientists express tolerance of lay views and reference their own lay experience while minimizing the scientific value of lay views as scientists. Authors identify a "superior capacity" model that "seems to serve interviewed scientists rather well; they retain their scientific autonomy without contradicting the assumption of funding agencies and others that laypeople have salient knowledge."
Interviews with animal rights advocates prompt author to suggest that a satisfactory resolution of the debate over the use of animals can only emerge in an atmosphere of respect, communication and mutual understanding rather than through the "argumentation is war" model.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 114 Document Number: D11002
Notes:
Online from the United Soybean Board via AgriMarketing Weekly. 2 pages., Summary of survey results reported in "Rural broadband and the American Farmer: Connectivity challenges limit agriculture's economic impact and sustainability." Findings reflected responses from more than 2,000 U.S. primary and secondary farm operators in a combination of online and mail-in surveys.
Ricard, Robert M. (author), Legrand, Ana I. (author), Hirsch, Diane Wright (author), Gabany-Guerrero, Tricia (author), and Guerrero-Murillo, Narcizo (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2008-04
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 166 Document Number: C27668
Peterson, Warren E. (author) and Swanson, Burton E. (author)
Format:
Manual
Publication Date:
1989-10
Published:
International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 136 Document Number: C20747
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, 101 pagesm preparted under cooperative agreement no. DAN-4148A-00-4004 between: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)m University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Tingwa, Peter O. (author) and University of Guelph, Canada and Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1983-08-21
Published:
International: Agricultural University Wageningen, the Netherlands
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 130 Document Number: C19442
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, pp 35-37; Proceedings universities and integrated rural development in developing countries August 21-25, 1983, An International Conference
22 pages., via online journal., Scientists are frequently asked to broadly share their expertise and research with a variety of audiences, beyond typical academic circles in their home disciplines. That could include developing community engagement programs, school outreach, leveraging online social networks, and other activities. The purpose of this study was to examine U.S. agricultural and natural resources (ANR) scientists’ typical science communication channels, their experiences utilizing Twitter for sharing their knowledge, research, and engaging in online public science discussion. Diffusion of Innovations theory and the model of science in-reach versus outreach guided this study. Researchers used a qualitative case study design. Data collection included ANR scientist interviews (n = 8) and application of Internet-based research methods for observing scientists’ Twitter activities. Four themes emerged from the data: 1) academic journals and conferences as scientists’ typical communication channels, yet Extension efforts help to broaden audiences, 2) scientists expected research to be peer-reviewed before public dissemination to combat misinformation and spreading of ‘junk science’, 3) scientists balanced professionalism, personalization, promotion, and Twitter hashtags for engagement, and 4) scientist-identified barriers to using Twitter included lack of time and avoiding heated discussions. Recommendations include revisiting scientists’ job descriptions and expectations for online science engagement. Also, there should be continual development and implementation of science communication training for scientists targeting best Twitter practices, growing followers for outreach beyond academic colleagues and groups, using visuals for online engagement, intentional scheduling for social media, and how to effectively navigate heated online discussions.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 67 Document Number: C02666
Notes:
3 copies, James F. Evans Collection. Burton Swanson Collection. Delmar Hatesohl Collection., Rome, Italy : Information Division, Development Support Communication Branch, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1987. 38 p.
Axinn, George H. (author / Visiting professor, University of Illinois)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
1969-08
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 145 Document Number: C22641
Notes:
Paper presented at The Society for International Development Eleventh World Conference, New Delhi, India, Nov. 14-17, 1969, This paper explains the critical importance of communication in the development process. It describes a generalized agricultural communication system, and it discusses a strategic approach to purposeful communication. Then it illustrates the communication problem in a typical less developed area with an example from West Africa. Finally a series of propositions are offered as guides to those who would build a strategy for communication in the development process. Mass communication media development is interdependent with development of many other aspects of national life. The lesser developed societies are moving forward with increasing use of radio and television, film, newspapers, magazines and books. In the rural "folk-village" societies, communication is an essential vehicle for development. The willingness and ability of any group to accept change tends to be directly related to the volume of their communication with the outside world.
Solanki, Surabhi (author) and Verma, Seema (author)
Format:
Conference proceedings
Publication Date:
2019-06
Published:
Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 121 Document Number: D11119
Notes:
8 pages., Proceedings of International Conference on Sustainable Computing in Science, Technology and Management., In any country, agriculture plays important role in the prospect of economy and sustainability. As technology grow day by day so it is necessary for the farmer to know about the technology, innovations and take them into practice, so they make strong themselves in terms of economic and sustainability. In this paper discussed the intensity exposure to information and communication technology and its relationship to the characteristics of farmers at different stages of adoption use of information and communication technology for different farm practices and also know the preferences of farmers regarding the use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT). In the continuation of this process conduct the personal interview to collect personal details of farmers as well as farm information that associate them to know about the adoption of information technology. The data collected through personal interview of farmers have been classified, tabulated and analyzed to know how efficiently and effectively information and communication technology disseminate farm information to the farmer.
Moyo, Rachel (author), Salawu, Abiodun (author), and Department of Communication, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2019-02
Published:
South Africa: Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 151 Document Number: D10129
7 pages., Via online journal., This study is a quantitative survey of communication media preferred by smallholder farmers resettled under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in the Gweru district of Zimbabwe. Data were gathered using a questionnaire and simple random sampling. Communication is integral to agricultural development, particularly so in the context of the FTLRP characterized by a dearth of information, education and training, ensued by the discriminatory command agriculture (Murisa and Chikweche, 2015). Farmers' preferences of communicationmedia in receiving agricultural innovations should be prioritised to improve agricultural communication andsubsequently, productivity, which is dire in Zimbabwe in the light of the continuing food insecurity. Thefindingsindicated that farmers prefer media that are stimulating and engaging such as television and demonstrations;convenient such as mobile phones and detailed such as books probably because the majority of them do not have training in agriculture. Demographic variables of age-group and education were found to be associated with communication preferences of some media. The study has implications for agricultural communication media policy. Beyond prioritization of farmers’preferences, a model of a multi-media approach to agricultural communication has been developed, that could widen communication reach if implemented.
Abdullah, Ma'n (author), Theobald, Dale E. (author), Butler, Donna (author), Kroenke, Kurt (author), Perkins, Anthony (author), Edgerton, Sara (author), and Dugan, William M. Jr. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2005
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 158 Document Number: C25803
"Communicating Agricultural Information in Remote Places, IXth World Congress of International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists, Melbourne, Australia. Part 2.
Gelb, E. (author), Maru, A. (author), Brodgen, J. (author), Dodsworth, E. (author), Samii, R. (author), Pesce, V. (author), and Global Forum on Agricultural Research.
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
2008-08
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 174 Document Number: C29701
Notes:
Summary of a pre-conference ICT Adoption Workshop - AFITA, IAALD and WCCA Conference in Atsugi, Japan. 20 pages., Participant organizations: Asian Federation of Information Technology in Agriculture (AFITA) , International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD ) and the World Congress on Computers in Agriculture (WCCA).
13 pages., Via online journal., This study examined adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by
agricultural science and extension teachers in Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives are to:
identify the background and demographic characteristics of agricultural science and extension
teachers in the study area; examine the factors influencing adoption of ICTs by respondents and
determine the challenges or constraints militating against adoption of ICTs by respondents in the
study area. Data were collected from 60 purposively selected agricultural science and extension
teachers in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics SPSS 19.0, Likert scale,
t-test and Logit model. Ages, teachers’ experience, access to ICTs were significant factors
influencing adoption of ICTs by respondents at 1% probability level. Teachers’ attitude, teachers’
awareness significantly influences adoption of ICTs by respondents at 5% probability level. Word
processors are perceived useful in setting tests and examination question papers, while, photocopy
machine was perceived ease to use to make copies of teaching materials. Access to appropriate
ICTs equipment and lack of infrastructure such as irregular electricity supply are the major
challenges. The study recommends easy access, awareness and use of ICTs by instructors and
regular supply of electricity to improve and stimulates adoption of ICTs by respondents.
11 pages., via online journal., The study aims at exploring the extent of agricultural information literacy of farmers in the northern region of Bangladesh. Besides the review of relevant literature the study conducts a questionnaire-based survey of 160 farmers working in ten districts in the region. The analysis of the survey shows that farmers need information for various purposes of agricultural activities, and they use different sources and media for access to such information. Many of the farmers, however, are not well aware of modern techniques of agriculture, and they occasionally use such techniques for farming. Due to some problems farmers are moderately satisfied in getting agricultural information, and in many cases their satisfaction level is very low. The paper concludes with providing certain recommendations for the improvement of information literacy of the farmers in
Bangladesh.
Christiansen, M.K. (author), Donohue, George A. (author), Fienup, D.F. (author), Jensen, H.R. (author), Routhe, H.G. (author), and University of Minnesota}University of Minnesota}University of Minnesota}University of Minnesota}University of Minnesota
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1963
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 46 Document Number: B05646
Notes:
P. Tichenor. Special Report No. 10. Agricultural Extension service, University of Minnesota. 6 p.
Papua New Guinea: East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 162 Document Number: C26767
Notes:
Reprint of 13 pages provided as CD in John P. Brien, "Research contributions in agricultural extension and communication," a thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, University of Queensland., Case study prepared for the East-West Center.
Swanson, Burton E. (author / Associate Professor, International Agricultural Education; and Associate Director, INTERPAKS, University of Illinois) and Associate Professor, International Agricultural Education; and Associate Director, INTERPAKS, University of Illinois
Format:
Handbook
Publication Date:
1984
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 73 Document Number: C03480
Notes:
John Behrens Collection, 2nd ed. Rome, Italy : Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, 1984. 262 p.
Paine, Darin James (author) and Texas A&M University
Format:
Dissertation
Publication Date:
2018
Published:
Ann Arbor: ProQuest
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 18 Document Number: D10475
Notes:
59 pages., ISBN: 9780438880009, Via ProQuest Dissertations and Theses., The purpose of this study is to understand successful and failed partnerships between industries in production agriculture and Agricultural Extension services in order to determine appropriate avenues for mutually beneficial relationships. Participants across various industries in production agriculture were surveyed in order to provide their perception of partnerships with Extension. Using phenomenology as qualitative research the results indicate a clear disconnect between production agriculture and Extension. Production agriculture industries highlight certain programs and elements within Extension that contribute to successful partnerships. However, a lack of expertise and communication by Extension personnel contribute to failed partnerships, or worse, no working relationship whatsoever. The data includes overarching concepts and meaning as to why partnerships are considered successful or not. Production agriculture is turning to other organizations for collaboration that perform similar work to Extension including non-governmental organizations. However, industries in production agriculture identify opportunities to create new or improve upon existing partnerships with Extension.
Fliegel, Frederick C. (author), Kivlin, Joseph E. (author), Roy, Prodipto (author), Sen, Lalit K. (author), and University of Illinois; National Institute of Community Development, Hyderabad, India; National Institute of Community Development, Hyderabad, India; Michigan State University
Format:
Book
Publication Date:
1968
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 31 Document Number: B03106
Notes:
Mason E. Miller Collection, Hyderabad, India : National Institute of Community Development, 1968. 119 p.
17 pages, via online journal, The greatest challenge now facing agricultural science is not how to increase production overall but how to enable resource-poor farmers to produce more.
The transfer-of-technology (TOT) model of agricultural research is part of the normal professionalism of agricultural scientists. In this model, scientists largely determine research priorities, develop technologies in controlled conditions, and then hand them over to agricultural extension to transfer to farmers. Although strong structures and incentives sustain this normal professionalism, many now recognise the challenge of its bad fit with the needs and conditions of hundreds of millions of resource-poor farm (RPF) families. In response to this problem, the TOT model has been adapted and extended through multi-disciplinary farming systems research (FSR) and on-farm trials. These responses retain power in the hands of scientists. Information is obtained from farmers and processed and analysed in order to identify what might be good for them. A missing element is methods to encourage and enable resource-poor farmers themselves to meet and work out what they need and want.
Henning, John (author), Hill, Stuart B. (author), MacRae, Rod J. (author), Mehuys, Guy R. (author), and Department of Entomology, Macdonald College of McGill University, Quebec, Canada; department of Agricultural Economics, Macdonald College of McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Department of Renewable Resources, Macdonald College of McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Department of Renewable Resources, Macdonald College of McGill University, Quebec, Canada
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 94 Document Number: C07261
McLaughlin, Martin M. (author / Senior Fellow, Overseas Development Council, Washington, D.C.) and Senior Fellow, Overseas Development Council, Washington, D.C.
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1978
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 34 Document Number: B03652
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection; Burton Swanson Collection, In: Proceedings of Special International Conference on Agricultural Technology for Developing Nations : farm mechanization alternatives for 1-10 hectare farms; 1978 may 23-24; University of Illinois, Urbana, IL. 1978.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C14431
Notes:
Published for the World Bank, Washington, D.C., Chapter 9 in Michael M. Cernea (ed.), Putting people first: sociological variables in rural development. Oxford University Press, New York/London. 430 pages.
6 pages., via online journal., ICT has been initiated and implemented effectively by the
public private partnership, government, researchers and various
Institutions. Availability of wireless service, Internet and mobile
communication have forced ICT to find foothold in daily routine
of the Indian farmers. ICT has huge impact in agricultural
development but still in natal stage. Many farmers are not availing
the actual potential of ICT due to poverty, social constraint,
illiteracy, language barriers and unwillingness to adopt new
technology. Many Indian farmers have reported positive change
in income, quality of produce and timely access to the market
information by using latest mobile application. WhatsApp is the
most popular and easy to use Mobile Instant Messaging service
amongst the Indian farmer. It supports sharing of localized
information and utilizing these services as query redressal
public platform. This paper is an attempt to gather meaningful
agricultural data for analysis and filtering of relevant need based
information assessment. The main focus of the present work is to
develop an automatic information handling and redressal of the
need based agricultural information system using WhatsApp as
social media platform.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: Byrnes2 Document Number: C12365
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection, Chapter 13 in Borton, Raymond E. (ed.), Case studies to accompany Getting Agriculture Moving. Agricultural Development Council, New York, NY. 1967. 302 p.
Bortei-Doku, Eugene (author / University of Ghana)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1974
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 31 Document Number: C12498
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection; See B03082, Pages 218-225 in Robert H. Crawford and William B. Ward (eds.), Communication strategies for rural development. Proceedings of the Cornell-CIAT international symposium, Cali, Colombia, March 17-22, 1974. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 278 p.
Plucknett, D. L. (author) and Smith, Nigel J. H., (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
USA: Winrock International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 116 Document Number: C11795
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection, Summary Report of the Conference on Research and Development of Vegetables in the Tropics, Morrilton, Arkansas, January 9-12, 1986, pp. 21-24.
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10897
Notes:
8 pages., IAALD XIIIth World Congress., via IAALD website., Governments have been largely responsible for research and the provision of extension services in Nigeria. The emphasis has been on the transfer of technology, paying little attention to farmer development and communication needs. Recently, the high output of agricultural research has led to a large pool of new agricultural technologies, which are yet to be disseminated to farmers, particularly those in the core rural areas. Therefore this study examined development and information need of the resource poor and the strategy adopted to meet these needs, using „town crier‟ as a case study. The study identified 2 states in south west, Nigeria, based on literature/past studies, where this concept has been adopted. A focused group discussion technique and interview schedule was adopted for data collection. The study identified 141 „town criers‟ across the study areas through the help of key informants. Results shown all Town Criers are male, average age of 55.54 years and all have postsecondary education. Town Crier primarily source of information is from the traditional-head. Main information disseminated by the Town Crier bothers on security of the town and community development and projects. The study concluded that this channel rarely meets the information need of the people, as the study revealed that only 20% of such information meets these needs. Past studies have documented that information/communication channels in Nigeria such as extension institution has collapse, there is no effective communication channels in the country again. The small number of extension officers that exists, only congregate at the urban towns, leaving behind those at the rural areas. Thus, the use of town criers in this regards can be used effectively to fill this gap and can also be trained on basic extension work.
22 pages., via online journal., Identifying and communicating uncertainty is core to effective environmental
assessment (EA). This study evaluates the extent to which uncertainties are considered
and addressed in Canadian EA practice. We reviewed the environmental protection
plans, follow-up programs, and panel reports (where applicable) of 12 EAs between
1995 and 2012. The types of uncertainties and levels of disclosure varied greatly.
When uncertainties were acknowledged, practitioners adopted five different
approaches to address them. However, uncertainties were never discussed or
addressed in depth. We found a lack of suitable terminology and consistency in how
uncertainties are disclosed, reflecting the need for explicit guidance, and we present
recommendations for improvement. Canadian Environmental Impact Statements are
not as transparent with respect to uncertainties as they should be, and uncertainties in
EA need to be better considered and communicated.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 183 Document Number: C37232
Notes:
Via BBC World Service - Communication, Media and Development Policy. 5 pages., Author urges change in the approach to development rather than assume that an infusion of good communication would enhance development. "..the heart and soul seems to have seeped out of the development world - it has, without doubt turned into a giant business governed at a corporate level with mind-numbing rules and regulations. There remains little room for creativity and innovation - in our mind a hallmark of good development."
Barnett, Daniel J. (author), Balicer, Ran D. (author), Blodgett, David W. (author), Everly, George S. Jr. (author), Omer, Saad B. (author), Parker, Cindy L. (author), and Links, Jonathan M. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2005-11
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 140 Document Number: D05985
Ballard-Reisch, Deborah (author), Clements-Nolle, Kristen (author), Jenkins, Tia (author), Sacks, Teresa (author), Pruitt, Keri (author), and Leathers, Kyle (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2008
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D06211
Notes:
Pages 203-219 in Matthew W. Seeger, Timothy L. Sellnow and Robert R. Ulmer (eds), Crisis communication and the public health. Hampton Press Inc., Cresskill, N.J. 287 pages.
13 pages., Via online journal., Agricultural research in developing countries often involves collaboration between dispersed multicultural teams of scientists from developed and developing countries. The teams use information and computing technologies (ICTs) to communicate between team members, who originate from different cultures using different languages. This paper investigates the usability and utility of a range of ICTs used for communication between team members from different cultures. The research used an intercultural heuristic evaluation tool, or I‐CHET, to evaluate nine ICTs used by Australian and Lao scientists for team communication. The evaluation showed that asynchronous ICTs (e.g., e‐mail) were preferred by non‐native English speakers, while synchronous media (e.g., audio conferencing, instant messaging, Skype) presented considerable problems between team members from different cultures. Most ICTs evaluated in the study demonstrated little consideration for non‐native English speakers and for inexperienced ICTs users. However, all evaluated ICTs demonstrated the ability to transmit information and encourage communication between information users in scientific collaborations. The I‐CHET assessment tool highlights the ongoing need for a “toolbox” of communication ICTs for research collaborations that can be adapted to suit the cultural and professional needs of multinational teams, worldwide.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 152 Document Number: C24578
Journal Title Details:
21
Notes:
James J. Connors of The Ohio State University edited the proceedings., 12 p. Paper presented at the International Agricultural and Extension Education group's 21st annual conference May 25-31, 2005, in San Antonio, TX
7 pages., Article # 2RIB2, Via online journal., To assess small rural retailers' use of social media and the role of social media in their business sustainability, we conducted focus group interviews with small business owners/managers from rural communities in a midwestern state. Participants revealed strong interest in social media, especially for use in sales and marketing. However, their engagement in social media was limited due to lack of knowledge and resources (i.e., time, human resources, financial resources, effectiveness measurement) related to developing and updating content. On the basis of these findings, we examine implications for Extension professionals and outreach educators regarding social media needs and programming for small rural businesses.
8 pages., via online journal., Social media provides huge opportunities and incentives that could ease promotion of agricultural extension, facilitate real-time service delivery and enable wider farmer coverage. Ineffective dissemination approaches, expanding farmer population, low staffing, and aging agricultural extension agents continue to negatively affect the provision of agricultural extension services in Kenya. Despite the social media potential in agricultural communication, lack of awareness and low usage in the rural areas of developing countries have been documented. This study sought to establish the level of social media familiarity among smallholder rural farmers with the aim of exploring the possibility of usage in agricultural extension. The study was undertaken in Thika Sub-County of Kiambu County on 140 farmers through a researcher administered semi-structured questionnaire. Probability-proportional-to-size sampling method was employed to derive the sample size from existing extension farmer groups. Simple random sampling technique was further used to identify the actual respondents from each group. A low level of social media familiarity was established among the farmers with education, age and gender having significant influence. The study recommends awareness creation initiatives to promote social media familiarity with a particular focus on women who form the bulk of the farmers but with the lowest level of social media knowledge.
12 pages., via online journal., The study assessed the communication competence of agricultural extension workers in Benue State, Nigeria. Ninety-three respondents were selected and studied using stratified and random sampling techniques. Data were collected from the use of a well-structured questionnaire. The results obtained revealed that the majority (57%) showed a low level of communication knowledge/skill. Logit regression statistics showed significant effect of respondents’ educational qualification, work experience, and rank (salary grade level) on their communication competence at 5% level of probability. It is therefore recommended that Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority should adequately train their staff so as to correct their low communication knowledge/skill.
6 pages., ISSN: 2456-1878, via online journal., The use of mobile phones as means of
communication between the extension agents and local
farmers in Edo South was examined to determine the
perception of the extension agents on its effectiveness.
Fifty-one (51) respondents were obtained through random
sampling using questionnaires to obtain relevant
information in the two local government areas; Ovia North
East and Ovia South West selected for the study. The result
obtained indicated that male extension agents were in
majority (72.5%), 54.9% of the sampled population above
45 years of age and 58.8% possessed 16 – 20 years working
experience. Phone calls and short message service (SMS)
were found appropriate for agricultural information
dissemination. Significant and positive relationships were
established between the working experience of extension
agents and their perception of mobile phone usage. The
recommendation is that formal integration of mobile phone
into extension activities be done to enhance wider coverage,
reduce cost and risks associated with movement. Extension
agents and farmers need more training on effective usage
of SMS and phone calls for interaction on farm related
issues. Enforcement of existing telecommunication laws
could reduce network failure and also enhance effective
usage.
