Technical, Organisational and regulatory constraints to the use of information communication technologies (ICTS) infrastructure for agricultural extension delivery in Edo State, Nigeria

In spite of the substantial leap in ICT infrastructural development in Nigeria, certain constraints still limit the potentials of ICTs for information dissemination. This study investigated constraints to the use of ICTs for agricultural information dissemination in Edo state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 116 extension workers; while primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (Chi square and PPMC) statistics at p = 0.05. Results indicate that most extension workers were male (67.2%) with Diploma qualification (74.1%), with vast professional experience ranging from 11-20 years (65.4%) and being ICT literate (51.7%). Available ICT tools for information dissemination were radio (83.6%), mobile telephony (86.2%) and use of short message services (81.0%). While network fluctuation (42.2%) and lack of expertise on the part of the extension workers (51.7%) were fingered as technical constraints, organisational constraints identified as impeding ICT use included insufficient computer training for extension personnel (41.4%) and poor funding for ICTs in extension organisations (33.6%). Inadequate regulatory environment (48.3%) and strategic vision in developing ICT for rural areas (63.8%) were identified as regulatory constraints for ICTs use for agricultural information dissemination. There was a significant relationship between use of ICT for agricultural information dissemination and availability of ICT (r=0.877) as well as constraints (χ2=26.9). It is recommended that ICT infrastructure be provided in extension organisations while all technical and regulatory issues be resolved to take full advantage of opportunities ICTs offer.