Analysis of the use of information communication technologies in fish farming in Kwara state, Nigeria

The potentials of ICTs in fish farming has not been fully harnessed by farmers in Nigeria. This study assessed farmers’ awareness of the use of ICTs in fish farming, determined level of use, identified the determinants of use, and the constraints to the use of ICTs in fish farming. A two-stage random sampling technique was applied to select 133 respondents on whom a questionnaire was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Multiple Regression Analysis and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. Respondents’ level of awareness of the use of ICTs in fish farming was high (71.4%), but use was low (48.3%). The major constraint to the use of ICTs was the high cost of internet subscription (M = 3.53). At p < 0.001, number of ponds (β = 0.095), cosmopoliteness (β = 0.271), household size (β = 0.159) and frequency of extension contact (β = 0.078) determined the use of ICTs. Also, awareness of ICTs had a significant relationship with its use (r = 0.339, p < 0.01). The study concluded that the level of use of ICTs in fish farming in the state was low in spite of a high level of awareness. It recommends among others, the regulation of the activities of ICT service providers in the country for quality service at reduced prices.