Preference of Using ICT over Extension Agents in Accessing Agricultural Information by Farmers in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Kitui West Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Information Communication and Technology (ICT), specifically Radio and Television are potential knowledge dissemination channels. This study investigated the usage of radio and Television compared to extension agents as sources of agricultural knowledge among farmers in Kitui West Sub County, Kenya. Specifically, the study identified that farmers potentially use radio and television as major sources of agricultural knowledge more than extension agents. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 19,970 smallholder maize farmers and the estimated sample size was 350. Proportionate clustered random sampling was used to select respondents in order to ensure reasonable representation of the population. Data was collected using two instruments namely; Researcher administered questionnaire for farmers and focus group discussion guide. The collected data was managed with computer program Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 21.0). Questionnaire instrument used provided quantitative data which was analysed using descriptive statistics namely; frequencies and percentages while focus group discussion guide instrument used to provide qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Results were presented by use of a table. The study therefore concludes that farmers mostly use ICT mostly Radio in obtaining agricultural information. The study recommends to the County government to engage and fund the various information sources including public, private extension officers and local media especially radio and television to increase passing of information to the farmers.