PROFESSIONAL USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TOOLS IN IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS SERVICES IN GANYE, ADAMAWA STATE-NIGERIA

Abstract

In addition to increasing the efficacy, efficiency, and reach of extension services, the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in agricultural extension can provide farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to enhance their standard of living. Farmers may boost their production and make better crop decisions by using ICT to give them access to real-time weather, market pricing, and crop management information. Additionally, it can give them access to financial services like insurance and microfinance, which can help them manage risk and make investments on their farms. Additionally, ICT can increase the connectedness of researchers, extension agents, and farmers, making it easier for them to exchange knowledge and information. Additionally, it is critical to guarantee that the local community, including farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders, owns and manages the programs. All things considered, ICT use in agricultural extension has the potential to significantly improve the efficacy and efficiency of extension services while also providing farmers with the knowledge and resources they require to raise agricultural productivity and improve their standard of living. Even with the advancements in computer technology, the administrative process continues to encounter certain issues that may point to inefficient use of ICT. As a result, there was a need for a study that could be used to determine the effectiveness of extension workers. Information analyzed in this research project was obtained from primary and secondary sources. A structured questionnaire served as the research tool for data collecting. The researcher used frequency, percentage, and descriptive statistics to assess the data that was gathered. The Adamawa State administration was advised to provide additional funding so that agricultural extension agents may receive regular computer training and become computer literate.