Description
Abstract
This project looks at Usefulness of mobile phone for agricultural information among farmers in Umuagwo, Imo state. This research study found out that Umuagwo farmers have adopted the impact of mobile phones in getting agricultural information due to the benefits derives from it such as enabling verification/discussion with chief farmers and extension workers, facilitating communication and saves transportation cost, institution relationship with agricultural extension officers, helps to obtain information on price of goods and services. This research also found out the following problems associated with the use of mobile phones such as poor network services, high rate charges, network congestion, power failure and reduction in interconnectivity. This study is anchored on the diffusion of innovation theory which implies that mobile phones have generally improved farmers in the farming system. It recommends that Nigeria communications commission should set a standard for the mobile phone operators in Nigeria with regards to signal strength, voice quality, successful recharge and balance inquiry, call centre operations and call success rate to improve services. Also, that the Chairman of Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area should ensure that adequate and frequent provision of power supply for the Umuagwo town also the extension workers should pay serious attention to the information needs of the Umuagwo farmers.
Kelvin Anyanwu –