AVAILABILITY, ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES  AMONG STAFF OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE SUB-PROGRAMME OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

AVAILABILITY, ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATIONCOMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGIES AMONG STAFF OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE SUB-PROGRAMME OF AGRICULTURALDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the availability, access, and utilization of Information CommunicationTechnologies (ICTs) among the staff of the Women in Agriculture (WIA) sub-programme of the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the WIA staff; identify the ICT tools available to them; determine their level of access to these tools; analyze the extent of ICT utilization for their professional duties; analyze the factors influencing ICT utilization; and identify the constraints faced by the staff in accessing and utilizing ICTs. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 WIA staff from the ADPs of the six states in the North Central zone (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, an ICT Access Index, an ICT Utilization Index, a multiple regression model, and a Likert-type scale. The findings revealed that the most commonly available ICT tools were mobile phones and radios, while computers and internet access were limited, particularly at the field level. The ICT Access Index showed a moderate level of access, but this varied significantly between senior staff at zonal headquarters and field-level agents. The analysis showed that ICTs are primarily used for communication (voice calls and SMS) and information dissemination, while their use for more advanced tasks like data analysis and online training was low. The regression analysis showed that age, level of education, job rank, and access to ICT infrastructure were significant determinants of ICT utilization. The major constraints identified were high cost of ICT tools, poor network connectivity, lack of electricity, and inadequate training. The study concluded that while there is awareness of the potential of ICTs, their effective utilization among WIA staff is constrained by infrastructural and capacity gaps. It was recommended that the government and ADP management should invest in ICT infrastructure, provide regular and relevant training, and develop policies that promote the use of ICTs for agricultural extension delivery.

Chapter One – Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Agriculture remains a critical sector of the Nigerian economy, and the empowerment of women within this sector is essential for achieving food security and poverty reduction. Women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural labor force, and they play a crucial role in food production, processing, and marketing. However, they often face systemic disadvantages compared to men, including limited access to land, credit, extension services, and information. Addressing these gender disparities is a key priority for agricultural development policy. (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2021).

In recognition of the unique challenges and contributions of women in agriculture, the Nigerian government, through its Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs), established the Women in Agriculture (WIA) sub-programme. The WIA is a specialized unit within the ADP structure that is tasked with addressing the specific needs of women farmers. The mandate of the WIA is to ensure that women have access to the resources, information, and technologies they need to improve their productivity and livelihoods. The WIA staff are the frontline agents responsible for delivering this mandate. (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development [FMARD], 2021).

The Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) system, launched in the 1970s and 1980s with support from the World Bank, has been the primary institutional framework for agricultural extension in Nigeria. Each state has its own ADP, which is responsible for delivering extension services to farmers. The ADPs are organized with a headquarters, zonal offices, and field-level Block Extension Agents (BEAs) who work directly with farming communities. The WIA sub-programme is a key component of this structure, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into extension delivery. (Adebayo, Oladele, and Sanusi, 2021).

The North Central Zone of Nigeria, comprising the states of Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is a major agricultural region, often referred to as the nation’s “food basket.” The zone’s diverse agro-ecological conditions support a wide range of crops and livestock. The ADPs in this zone play a crucial role in supporting farmers, and their WIA sub-programmes are particularly important for reaching women farmers who might otherwise be left behind by the mainstream extension system. (National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], 2022).

In the 21st century, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as transformative tools for agricultural development. ICTs, which encompass a wide range of technologies including mobile phones, computers, the internet, radio, and television, have the potential to revolutionize the way agricultural information is generated, accessed, and disseminated. They can break down barriers of distance and time, providing farmers and extension agents with access to real-time information on markets, weather, and best practices. The potential of ICTs to enhance the effectiveness of extension services is immense. (Aker, 2019).

The use of ICTs in agricultural extension, often referred to as “e-extension,” offers significant advantages. It can help to overcome the limitations of the traditional, face-to-face extension model, which is often constrained by a low extension-to-farmer ratio, poor mobility, and limited resources. ICTs can enable extension agents to reach a larger number of farmers at a lower cost, provide access to up-to-date information, and facilitate two-way communication. The effective use of ICTs is therefore a key strategy for modernizing the extension service. (Rivera and Qamar, 2019).

For the WIA sub-programme specifically, ICTs hold particular promise. They can be powerful tools for empowering women farmers, who often face greater barriers to accessing information and services than men. Mobile phones, for example, can enable women to connect directly with extension agents, access market information, and participate in peer-to-peer learning networks, all from their homes or farms. This can help to overcome some of the social and cultural constraints that limit women’s mobility and their access to public spaces. (FAO, 2021).

The concepts of availability, access, and utilization of ICTs are distinct but interconnected. Availability refers to the physical presence of ICT infrastructure and tools (e.g., are there mobile phone networks, are computers available?). Access refers to the ability of an individual to make use of these tools, which is influenced by factors such as cost, ownership, and the availability of complementary infrastructure like electricity. Utilization refers to the actual use of the tools for a specific purpose (e.g., is a mobile phone being used for work-related tasks?). An individual may have access to a technology but may not utilize it due to a lack of skills or a perceived lack of relevance. (Mtega and Malekani, 2019).

The level of ICT adoption and utilization among agricultural extension personnel in Nigeria is a subject of ongoing investigation. While there is a general awareness of the potential benefits, the actual use of ICTs for professional purposes is often limited. Studies have shown that while many extension agents own mobile phones, their use is often primarily for personal communication rather than for structured extension work. The use of computers and the internet is often constrained by a lack of access to the equipment and reliable connectivity, particularly at the field level. (Adebayo et al., 2021).

The determinants of ICT utilization are multi-faceted. They include the socio-economic characteristics of the individual, such as age, education, and gender. They also include institutional factors, such as the availability of ICT infrastructure, the provision of training, and the support of management. A younger, more educated employee is likely to be more comfortable with technology. Similarly, an employee who has received relevant training is more likely to use ICTs effectively. The provision of functional equipment and reliable internet access is also a key driver of utilization. (Mtega and Malekani, 2019).

This study is therefore designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the availability, access, and utilization of ICTs among the staff of the WIA sub-programme of the ADPs in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. It will identify the ICT tools available, determine the level of access, analyze the extent of utilization for professional duties, and identify the key factors that influence and constrain this utilization. This will provide valuable evidence for policymakers and ADP management seeking to harness the power of ICTs to improve extension service delivery. (Emmanuel and Okafor, 2022).

The findings of this study are expected to be of significant value to a wide range of stakeholders. For policymakers and ADP management, the study will provide a clear picture of the current state of ICT adoption in the WIA, which can inform investment decisions. For development organizations, the study will inform the design of projects that use ICTs to empower women farmers. For the WIA staff themselves, the study will highlight their professional development needs. Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to the development of a more effective, efficient, and equitable agricultural extension system in Nigeria. (World Bank, 2022).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Women in Agriculture (WIA) sub-programme plays a vital role in ensuring that women farmers in the North Central Zone of Nigeria are not left behind. The core problem is that the potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance the effectiveness of the WIA’s work is not being fully realized. The staff of the WIA, who are responsible for delivering vital services to women farmers, are hampered by limited availability of ICT tools, constrained access, and consequently, low levels of utilization for professional purposes. This undermines the quality of extension services delivered to a key segment of the farming population. (FAO, 2021).

A fundamental problem is the inadequate availability of ICT infrastructure, particularly at the field level. While senior staff at zonal headquarters may have access to computers and the internet, the Block Extension Agents who work directly with farmers in rural communities often have very limited access to these tools. The problem is that this creates a digital divide within the extension service itself, where the agents who are in closest contact with the farmers are the ones least equipped to use modern technology. The lack of computers, reliable internet, and even electricity in rural offices is a major barrier. (Aker, 2019).

The problem of poor network connectivity in many rural areas is a critical constraint. Even when extension agents have mobile phones, the lack of reliable network coverage can render them useless for data-intensive applications like browsing the internet or downloading information. The problem is that this connectivity gap in the very areas where the WIA staff are working undermines the effectiveness of mobile-based extension services. The inability to connect reliably limits the potential for timely information sharing and communication. (Mtega and Malekani, 2019).

There is a significant problem with the high cost of ICT tools and data. The price of smartphones, computers, and data bundles can be prohibitive for many extension workers, particularly those in the lower ranks of the civil service. The problem is that this financial constraint limits their ability to own the necessary equipment and to afford the ongoing costs of data and airtime needed to use the internet. This economic barrier is a major factor limiting access and utilization. (Armendáriz and Morduch, 2018).

The issue of a lack of relevant skills and training is a major constraint. Even when ICT tools are available and accessible, they may not be effectively utilized if the staff lack the necessary digital literacy skills. The problem is that many WIA staff, particularly older employees, have not received adequate training in the use of computers, the internet, and various software applications. This skills gap limits their confidence and their ability to use ICTs for their work, leaving them reliant on traditional, less efficient methods. (Adebayo et al., 2021).

The problem of the limited use of ICTs for advanced extension tasks is a significant concern. Even among staff who do use ICTs, their use is often restricted to basic functions like making phone calls and sending text messages. The problem is that the full potential of ICTs—for data collection, market analysis, accessing online training modules, and using agricultural apps—is not being exploited. The use of ICTs remains at a rudimentary level, failing to transform the way extension services are delivered. (Rivera and Qamar, 2019).

There is a problem with the lack of institutional support and policy frameworks for promoting ICT use in the ADPs. While the government has spoken about the importance of ICTs in agriculture, there is often a lack of a clear policy and a dedicated budget for equipping extension staff and training them. The problem is that this lack of a supportive institutional environment hinders the systematic adoption of ICTs. The provision of ICTs is often ad-hoc and dependent on donor funding, rather than being integrated into the core operations of the ADPs. (FMARD, 2021).

The issue of the gender dimension of ICT access is a critical concern. While this study focuses on the WIA staff (who are predominantly women), it is also important to recognize that even within this group, there may be disparities in access and use based on factors like age and education. The problem is that the very women who are tasked with empowering other women may themselves be facing digital divides that limit their effectiveness. A deeper understanding of these intra-group dynamics is needed. (Doss, 2018).

The problem of the lack of locally relevant content is a barrier to effective utilization. Even when staff have access to the internet, they may struggle to find information that is relevant to the specific needs of farmers in their area. The problem is that much of the available online content is either too generic or not in local languages. The lack of locally relevant, accessible digital content reduces the usefulness of the internet as an extension tool. (Aker, 2019).

There is a significant problem with the lack of reliable data on the specific situation of WIA staff in the North Central Zone. Most studies on ICT use in extension have focused on extension personnel in general, without disaggregating by sub-programme. The problem is that this lack of specific data means that the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the WIA are not well understood. This makes it difficult to design targeted interventions to support them. (Emmanuel and Okafor, 2022).

The problem of the sustainability of ICT initiatives is a major concern. Many past ICT projects have failed because they were not designed with long-term sustainability in mind. The problem is that equipment is often provided without a plan for maintenance, and training is provided without ongoing support. The result is that the technology falls into disuse after the project ends. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of ICT investments is a critical challenge. (World Bank, 2022).

This study is designed to address these problems by providing a comprehensive, empirical analysis of the availability, access, and utilization of ICTs among WIA staff in the North Central Zone. It will identify the specific barriers they face and the factors that enable successful utilization. The core problem this research aims to solve is the lack of evidence-based understanding needed to design effective strategies for harnessing the power of ICTs to empower WIA staff and, through them, the women farmers they serve. (Emmanuel and Okafor, 2022).

1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to analyze the availability, access, and utilization of Information Communication Technologies among the staff of the Women in Agriculture sub-programme of the Agricultural Development Programmes in the North Central Zone of Nigeria.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. Describe the socio-economic characteristics of the WIA staff in the study area.
2. Identify the ICT tools available to the WIA staff.
3. Determine the level of access of the WIA staff to these ICT tools.
4. Analyze the extent of ICT utilization by the staff for their professional duties.
5. Analyze the factors influencing ICT utilization and identify the major constraints.

1.5 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide this study:

1. What are the socio-economic characteristics of the WIA staff in the North Central Zone?
2. What ICT tools are available to the WIA staff?
3. What is the level of access of the WIA staff to these ICT tools?
4. What is the extent of ICT utilization by the staff for their professional duties?
5. What factors significantly influence ICT utilization and what are the major constraints?

1.6 Research Hypotheses

The following null (H₀) and alternative (H₁) hypotheses were tested in this study:

1. H₀: The age of the WIA staff does not have a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
   H₁: The age of the WIA staff has a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
2. H₀: The level of education of the WIA staff does not have a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
   H₁: The level of education of the WIA staff has a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
3. H₀: The job rank of the WIA staff does not have a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
   H₁: The job rank of the WIA staff has a significant influence on their level of ICT utilization.
4. H₀: Access to ICT infrastructure (e.g., electricity, network) does not have a significant influence on the level of ICT utilization.
   H₁: Access to ICT infrastructure (e.g., electricity, network) has a significant influence on the level of ICT utilization.
5. H₀: The level of training received in ICTs does not have a significant influence on the level of ICT utilization.
   H₁: The level of training received in ICTs has a significant influence on the level of ICT utilization.

1.7 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value for a wide range of stakeholders. For policymakers at the Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture, and the management of the ADPs, the findings will provide a crucial evidence base for strategic planning and investment in ICT infrastructure and capacity building. The study will highlight the specific gaps in availability, access, and utilization, which can inform the allocation of resources. The evidence on the importance of training and infrastructure will justify the need for a comprehensive, well-funded ICT strategy for the extension service, particularly for the WIA sub-programme.

For development organizations, international partners, and NGOs working on gender, agriculture, and ICT for development (ICT4D) in Nigeria, this study will be an invaluable resource. The detailed analysis of the barriers and enablers of ICT use among WIA staff will help them to design more effective and sustainable projects. The study can serve as a baseline for monitoring and evaluating the impact of their interventions. The findings will also inform the development of gender-sensitive ICT tools and content for agricultural extension.

For the WIA staff themselves and the women farmers they serve, the study will provide a platform for their needs and challenges to be recognized. The findings will empower them to advocate for better access to ICT tools, training, and support. By improving the ICT capacity of the WIA staff, the study ultimately aims to contribute to the delivery of more effective and responsive services to women farmers, thereby enhancing their productivity, incomes, and overall empowerment.

For researchers and academics, this study will contribute to the literature on ICT for development, agricultural extension, and gender in agriculture. The use of ICT Access and Utilization Indices provides a robust methodological framework for quantifying these concepts. The study’s specific focus on the WIA sub-programme in the North Central Zone is a valuable contribution, as it provides a nuanced analysis of a specific group of extension workers operating in a key agricultural region. The findings will serve as a benchmark for future research and will contribute to the ongoing debate on how to effectively harness the power of ICTs for agricultural development.

1.8 Scope of the Study

This study is focused on the availability, access, and utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) among the staff of the Women in Agriculture (WIA) sub-programme of the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. The geographical scope covers the six states of the North Central geopolitical zone (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The study involves all categories of WIA staff, including program managers, zonal officers, and block extension agents. The analysis covers the current period, examining the ICT tools available and their use for professional duties. The study does not cover the ICT use of other ADP staff outside the WIA sub-programme.

1.9 Limitation of the Study

This study is subject to certain limitations. The primary limitation is the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias in the reporting of access and utilization. The cross-sectional design provides a snapshot of the situation at a single point in time and does not capture the dynamic changes in technology adoption. The study is also limited to a specific geographical zone and a specific sub-programme, and the findings may not be generalizable to other regions or other parts of the extension service. Furthermore, the study focuses on the staff and does not directly measure the impact of ICT use on the outcomes for women farmers, which would be a valuable area for future research. The rapid pace of technological change also means that the specific tools and platforms discussed may evolve quickly.

1.10 Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarity, the following terms are defined as they are used in this study:

1. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): A broad term that encompasses all technologies used to handle and communicate information, including computers, mobile phones, the internet, radio, television, and associated software.
2. Availability: The physical presence or existence of ICT tools and infrastructure in a given location or for a given individual.
3. Access: The ability of an individual to make use of available ICT tools, which is influenced by factors such as ownership, cost, and the availability of supporting infrastructure like electricity and network connectivity.
4. Utilization: The actual use of ICT tools for a specific purpose, in this case, for the professional duties of the WIA staff.
5. Women in Agriculture (WIA) Sub-programme: A specialized unit within the ADP structure tasked with addressing the specific needs of women farmers.
6. Agricultural Development Programme (ADP): A state-level government agency responsible for agricultural extension and rural development.
7. Block Extension Agent (BEA): A frontline extension worker who works directly with farmers at the community or block level.
8. ICT Access Index: A composite measure used to quantify the level of an individual’s access to various ICT tools.
9. ICT Utilization Index: A composite measure used to quantify the extent and frequency of an individual’s use of ICTs for specific professional tasks.
10. e-Extension: The use of ICTs to deliver agricultural extension services.