Assessment of Information and Communication Technology Utilization by Agro-Processors in Ikono Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State, Nigeria

This study assessed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) utilization by agro-processors in Ikono Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State, Nigeria. Specifically, it aimed at identifying the socio-economic characteristics of agro-processors; determining the level of awareness of ICT by agro-processors; identifying the ICT devices available, frequency of usage as well as ascertaining the constraints to ICT utilization by agro-processors in the study area. A sample of 107 agro processors from Ikono block in Ikot Ekpene zone was selected using proportionate random sampling technique. Data collection was done with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean scores and ranking were used for the analysis of the data. The results show that majority (65.42%) of the agro processors were between the ages of 21-40 years with a mean age of 38 years. Most (58.88%) of them were males and married (45.79%), with family size of 5-8 (38.32%). They were mostly Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) holders who earned between 21,000 – 30,000 naira monthly. They were aware and had access to radio, television, and mobile phones. The result also indicated that high purchasing cost, erratic power supply and non- availability of ICT facilities were major constraints to ICT utilization by agro-processors in the study area. It was concluded that the benefits of ICTs were not fully utilized by agro processors as they were only aware of the conventional forms of ICT devices in the study area. It was therefore recommended that rural areas should be provided with the basic infrastructure such as electricity and good road network so as to bring modern ICT services closer to the people for ease of access. Also, agro processors should be encouraged to upgrade their educational level as well as their competencies in the utilization of ICTs.