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UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN EDO
AND DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN EDO
AND DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE PAGE
Approval
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background information
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Hypotheses of the study
1.5 Justification
CHAPTER TWO
Literature review
2.1 Information
2.2 Information sources
2.3 Prospects of effective information utilization
2.4 Access to information
2.5 Agricultural information
2.6 Communication
2.6.1 The process, concept and strategies of interpersonal
and mass communication
2.6.2 Constricts to utilization of mass media and
interpersonal channels
2.7 Arable crops
2.7.1 Maize (zea maize)
2.7.2 Cocoyam
2.7.3 Yam (Dioscorea spp)
2.7.4 Cassava (Manihot eculenta)
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
3.1 Area and Scope of study
3.2 Population of the study
3.3 Sample size and Sampling procedure
3.4 Instrument for data collection
3.4.1 Test of validity
3.5 Measurement for variable
3.5.1 Socio economic characteristics of respondent
3.5.2 Respondents access, preference and frequency of
agricultural information
3.5.3 Respondents awareness level adoption status and
competence level in the use of technologies
3.5.4 Respondents’ motivational factors for the use of
agricultural information sources
3.5.5 Respondent perception for the use of agricultural
sources
3.5.6 Constraints respondents face in the use of agricultural
information sources
3.5.7 Constraints respondents face in arable crop farming
3.6 Data Analyses
CHAPTER FOUR
Result and Discussion
CHAPTER FIVE
Conclusion
5.1 Recommendation
Reference
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Agriculture with its positive impact on the Nigerian populace
is faced with myriad of problems among which is low utilization of technologies.
The low utilization of technologies by the farmers may be ascribed to
inadequacy of information. Information, in a broad context refers to organized
data recorded in various forms (Yahaya, 2003). Information could also be
messages that are perceivable and recognizable value to the receiver.
Information is therefore a raw resource for knowledge. In the agricultural
sector, arable farmers need information about their farming activities.
Aina (1989) stated that lack of information on modern
agricultural technology is a key factor limiting agricultural development in
Nigeria. Low accessibility to agricultural information leads to low adoption of
improved technologies, which invariably affects farmers‟ productivity and could
lead to poverty (Ozowa, 2005). Utilisation of improved farm practices requires
adequate information, which has to be effectively disseminated so that the
clientele receives it, understands it and regards it as a valid basis for
action. For instance, while it has been established that farmers use various
media sources (Keregero, 1993), it is where farmers seek information that they
also find information relating to agricultural practices ranging from
agronomic, processing and storage, which are of tremendous importance to the
success of arable farmers. The choice usually lies with the source of the
message to be transmitted; it must be knowledgeable about a particular channel
of communication before employing it. The undisputable fact is that different
channels perform different functions in the transmission of information on farm
matters (agricultural development), depending on the stage of adoption process,
the characteristics of innovation, the socio – economic and personal
characteristics of audience (Farinde, 1991; Njoku, 1990). Farinde (1991) and
Farinde and Jibowo (1994), have established that the effectiveness of any
communication channel depends most in particular on its selection as an
appropriate channel or medium of communication. Hence a better way of
understanding information utilization is to determine the sources of such
information. The selection depends on the size and type of audience, the
characteristics of methods, e.g. cost of procurement, complexity, availability
and feedback potential (Farinde, 1991). Any system initiating and stimulating
development has a responsibility to provide and disseminate information about
its activities to make the people knowledgeable about things happening around
them, and also generate in them the right attitudes and encourage the adoption
of desirable value systems.
In agriculture, the role of information cannot be over
emphasized in enhancing the agricultural development. Information is crucial
for increasing agricultural production and improving marketing &
distribution strategies (Oladele, 2006). Communication is critical to finding
solution to problems of food production through facilitating research- farmer
linkage using ICTs (Dauda et al., 2010). Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) are foundation of the new global information based economy.
They are increasingly becoming the key drivers for socio-economic growth.
Notably the role of information in farming is significantly meant to reduce the
influences of risk and uncertainty-related factors. Bala and Sharma (2008) and
Singh et al. (2011) argue that to compete the global market today, our farmers
should have latest information regarding new techniques of farming, new methods
of cultivation, new crops, seeds, pesticides, water management, marketing of
the product, government policies regarding agriculture, export potential of
their crops. Information and knowledge are very vital in agricultural
development of any community, non-availability of basic agricultural knowledge
and information for Arable crop producers in Edo and Delta State as a result of
certain problem will enable these farmers stick to their old traditional ways
of farming system hence resulting in poor crop productivity. Also in situation
whereby the farmers lack access to knowledge and information that would help to
foster them in achieving maximum agricultural yield, they are not only grope in
the dark but are driven to big cities in search of formal employment, as the
only option for survival (Munyua, 2000). Blait (1996) speculated that the least
expensive input for improved agricultural development is adequate access to
knowledge and information in areas of new agricultural technologies, early
warning systems (drought, pests, diseases etc), improved seedlings, fertilizer,
credit, market prices etc. There have been short-comings of traditional print
and library based methods of providing such agricultural information to arable
crop producers whom are likely low standard and relatively remote from access
to information (e.g. extension stations, libraries). In the past decades,
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has experienced steady decline in productivity.
However, in recent time, indices has showed that the sector have started
witnessing a gradual but slow growth (Oladipo, 2013). This growth was
necessitated by population growth, changing climate and technology needs
(Henri-Ukoha et al., 2012). These technologies are innovations such as ICT
facilities, mechanized farming equipments, improved and high yielding
varieties, and integrated pest management control, post harvest technologies,
efficiency in land use, among others. Access to information technology is
highly gotten by these and can only be made available ti them through extension
workers, state and local government and community libraries (ADP, ENADEP etc)
Telecommons Development Group, 2000).
Arable crops; they are crops which are cultivated on ploughed
land. Agronomically arable crops can be grouped as follows:- cereal crops; e.g.
maize and wheat. Legume crops; e.g. cowpea and groundnut. Root and tuber crops
e.g. cassava and yam. Fibre crop; e.g. cotton and jute. Stimulant crops; e.g.
tobacco. Some arable crops are prevalent in Edo and Delta State.
Maize (Zea Mays .L.); Maize is also known as “Indian crop” or
“simple corn”. It is a cereal crop that is grown widely throughout the world
(Anon, 1993). Maize is produced annually than any other grain. About 50 species
exist and consist of different colours, textures, grain shapes and sizes. White
and yellow varieties are preferred by people in Edo and Delta State. Maize is
the most important cereal crop in this region. All part of the crop can be
used. Maize can be used for the following purposes:-
As a staple human food, maize is a stable food in Edo and
Delta State. It is eaten as boiled or roasted maize. Corn meal and cornflakes
are examples of food products made for human consumption. Maize is however
unsuitable for bread making as it is deficient in gluten.
As feed for livestock, it is the cheapest and most palatable
carbonaceous feed for animals such as pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry. Most of
the maize crop is fed to livestock as grain, silage or fodder on the farms
where it is produced. It is relatively high in fat and starch but is low in proteins.
It is therefore essential to feed it together with protein feed to provide a
balanced diet.
Corn starch, corn oil, corn syrup and corn sugar are the
chief industrial products obtain from maize. Corn starch, is universal food
stuff. It is used for starching clothes, in the manufacture of asbestos,
ceramics, dyes, plastics, oil cloths and linoleum. Corn oil is used in the
manufacture of soaps, vanishes, paints and other similar products. Corn syrup
is used in shoe polish and in tobacco industry. Corn sugar is used in the
manufacture of jams and jellies, chemicals, dyes and explosives.
Other minor uses include the use of stalks and leaves for
making paper, paper board and wall-board. (Remison, 2004).
Cassava (Manihot Esculenta); Cassava is a perennial woody
shrub with an edible root. It is the major source of dietary energy for
low-income consumers in Edo and Delta State. It is rich in carbohydrates,
calcium, vitamins B and C, and essential minerals. However, nutrient
composition differs according to variety and age of the harvested crop and soil
conditions, climate, and other environmental factors during cultivation
(Remison, 2004). Cassava is a subsistence crop grown for the following
purposes:-
Human consumption, Garri, a free flowing granular meal, is
consumed in a variety of way. Other cassava meals include “Elubo” from cassava
flour, “Fufu” which is boiled and pounded cassava. Tapioca is made from
cassava, it is wet or partially dried sieve starch particles heated with
continuous stirring. Tapioca is used for puddings, biscuits and confectionery.
As livestock feed, cassava chips can be used to compound
animal feed because of high energy content. Its used to feed pigs & cattle.
Its very affordable.
Cassava starch is also an important industrial raw material;
it is used in laundering and in the manufacture of many products. Beer and
other alcoholic can be made from cassava. (Remison, Ewanlen and Okaka, 2002).
Cocoyam (colocasia esculenta (L.) Taro)
(Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Tannia)
Cocoyams are herbaceous perennial plants belonging to the
family Araceae and are grown primarily for their edible roots, although all
parts of the plants are edible. Its edible roots are starchy. Cocoyam can be
used for the following purposes:-
Human consumption via cooking, frying, roasting or baking.
Processed into flour by peeling, slicing, drying the slices and milling the
dried slices. The flour is used for various food preparations.
The young leaves are used as vegetables in some places.
Cooking removes the calcium oxalate, which causes acridity in the leaves and
tubers. The leaves, corms and cormels can be used as animal feed. (Remison,
2004).
Yam (Dioscorea spp); Yams are perennial herbaceous vines
cultivated for the consumption of his starchy tuber. (Igbokwe, Onaku and Opara.
1988). Yams are primary agricultural and culturally important commodity in Edo
and Delta State. Some varieties of these tubers can be stored up to six months
without refrigeration, which makes them a valuable resource for the yearly
period of food scarcity at the beginning of the wet season.
Dioscorea rotundata, the ‘white yam’ and Dioscorea
cayenensis, the ‘yellow yam’ are native to Africa and are preferred by Edo and
Delta State Arable crop farmers. Yams can be used for various purposes:-
Mainly for human consumption as they provide a cheap source
of carbohydrate. The most common forms of yam consumption are as boiled yam,
pounded yam, roasted yam, fried or baked yam.
Wild species have been used as a source material for the
manufacture of oral contraceptives (Remison, 2004).
1.2 Problem Statement
Over the years, Arable crop farmers depend on indigenous or
local knowledge for improved farming system. Such knowledge (indigenous or
local knowledge) refers to skill and experience gained through oral tradition
and practice over many generations (Norem, et al., 1988). Acquisition of such
primitive skill by our rural farmers (e.g. rural farmers in Edo and Delta
State) has not helped to improve agricultural produce. All that is witnessed in
our rural agricultural system range from low farm yield, crop failure due to
diseases, resistant plant weeds and pests that attack arable crops, old farm
implements, poor quality fertilizers etc. Agricultural information are always
meant to get to rural farmers through information sources like extension
workers, community libraries, radio, television, film shows, agricultural
pamphlets, state and local government agricultural agencies etc. Lack of useful
information could lead to poverty because farmers’ productivity will be
affected (Ozowa, 2005). Low accessibility to agricultural information also
leads to poor communication linkage between extension farmers-research and
consultations between policy makers, policy analysts, and policy beneficiaries
on agricultural and rural development policy issues.
Rural farmers in their effort to access these agricultural
knowledge and information from available sources, for better farming system and
improved agricultural yield, are confronted with certain constraints. The
present study was therefore designed to identify the constraints which hinder
arable crop farmers in Edo and Delta state from accessing agricultural
information for improved crop production.
The research questions now are:
What are the socio-economic characteristics of arable crop
farmers in Edo and Delta State?
What are the respondent’s access, preference and frequency of
use of agricultural information sources?
What are the respondent awareness level, adoption status of
technologies and competent in the use of technology?
What are the motivation factors of the use of agricultural
information sources?
What are the constraints the respondent’s face in arable crop
farming and the use of agricultural information source?
1.3 Objectives of the study
The broad objective of the study is to access utilization of
information by arable crop farmers in Edo and Delta State Nigeria. The specific
objectives are to:
describe the socio-economic characteristics of arable crop
farmers in Edo and Delta States;
identify information sources used by arable crop farmers in
Edo and Delta State;
ascertain the respondent awareness level, adoption status of
technologies and competent in the use of technologies;
examine respondents’ access, preference and frequency use of
agricultural information sources;
identify motivational factors for the use of Agricultural
information sources; and
ascertain the constraints the respondents face in arable crop
farming and the use of agricultural information sources.
1.4 Hypotheses for the Study
There is no significant relationship between socio-economic
characteristics of respondents and motivational factors for their use of
agricultural information sources.
Motivational factors do not significantly affect respondents’
preference and frequency of use of ICTs agricultural information sourcing.
There is no significant relationship between respondent
awareness level, adoption technology and the constraints faced in arable crop
farming.
There is no significant relationship between socio-economic
characteristics of respondent and the constraints faced in arable crop farming.
There is no significant relationship between the respondents’
socio-economic characteristics and constraints faced in the use of information
sources.
1.5 Justification
This study was primarily necessitated by the advantages
inherent in the roles played by arable crop farmers in the growth of
agricultural economy and how effective communication of agricultural technology
can enhance the productivity of arable crop farmers’ operators.
Developing technologies for arable farm operators to adopt is
not enough, but effort should be geared towards making arable farm operators to
understand the importance of utilization of improved technologies. To bring
about agricultural development, the provision of agricultural information plays
a decisive role. Presently besides the indigenous farm experience, Government
designed programs contribute to provide agricultural information in order to
improve the yield of arable crop producer hence giving the farmers a better
life.
All development carriers like extension services, NGOs and
other development agencies involved in agricultural development, especially in
resettlement program, must be aware of the need to understand the constraints
and factors influencing the level of the access to and utilization of
agricultural information and understand the gaps to take remedial action. The
importance of agriculture in the economy of Nigeria is profound. Despite the
growth of industries, oil and commerce it continues to be the principal
economic activity of the people of Nigeria. Thus 70% of the people are engaged
in agriculture but more than 70% of these farms at subsistence level (Okubanjo,
1990; Nigeria millennium Development Report, 2004). The Food and Agriculture
Organization, FAO (1993) suggested that in order to enhance agricultural
development, new commodities and new methods of production must be developed.
In Nigeria, there are various agencies, research institutes, agricultural
universities/colleges and non-governmental organizations that generate
innovations and improved farm practices or technologies (Ilevbaoje, 1998). The
primary function of the dissemination component (agricultural extension,
agricultural change agencies, private extension organizations, etc.) is the
transformation of the agricultural sector of the national economy through
promotion of rapid adoption and utilization of improved farming technologies by
the utilization component – the farmers (Ilevbaoje, 1998).
According to CTA (1996), Ozowa (1997) and Conroy (2003) the
quantum of
agricultural technology information available in the Nigerian
systems developed by research institutes and faculties of agriculture in universities
is quite enormous. The problem therefore, lies with effective dissemination of
information about these innovations by the dissemination agencies. Research
institutes must disseminate their findings to the target group – the farmers,
while receiving feed back to indicate that communication was successful. The
feedback is expected to expose areas requiring modification or further enquiry.
Agricultural information disseminated by different information sources need to
be determined. It is imperative therefore to identify the sources of
agricultural information utilized by farmers.
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