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    Start Over Subject Term farmers Subject Term information dissemination Subject Term needs

    2. Farmers’ intention to use text messaging for extension services in Trinidad

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    Collection:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
    Contributers:
    Narine, Lendel K. (author), Harder, Amy (author), and Roberts, T. Grady (author)
    Format:
    Online journal article
    Publication Date:
    2019-07-12
    Published:
    Trinidad: Taylor & Francis
    Location:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 109 Document Number: D10969
    Journal Title:
    The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
    Journal Title Details:
    25(4) : 293-306
    Notes:
    15 pages, via online journal, Purpose: The effectiveness of new extension approaches hinges on farmers’ willingness to adopt innovative ways to interact with extension. Therefore, this study explored farmers’ willingness to use mobile text messaging for two-way interactions with Ministry Extension officers. Design/Methodology/Approach: Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study followed a correlational design and survey data were conveniently collected from 200 farmers of Trinidad. Findings: Findings showed most farmers of the sample knew how to send and receive text messages, and many owned Internet-enabled smartphones. In addition, most farmers were willing to communicate with extension officers through text messages. Practical Implications: Ministry Extension should revisit and revise their policies of communicating with farmers. Administrators should encourage extension officers to use SMS to respond to farmers’ requests and information needs. Theoretical Implications: While the UTAUT provided an appropriate framework for understanding farmers’ use of text messaging, researchers should tailor the moderator variables to the country’s context. Originality/Value: This study is the first to look at farmers’ willingness to use two-way information communication technologies in Trinidad. Results showed there is potential for Ministry Extension to use text messaging to communicate with farmers.