Use of modern communication technologies among rural agricultural extension personnel to disseminate agricultural information: case study of Machakos County

Abstract

This research set out to understand and identify the main barriers faced by rural agricultural extension personnel in the application of modern communication technologies in the management of agricultural information to enhance efficient information flow necessary to improve agricultural productivity in Machakos County of Kenya. The study was carried out based on three objectives that are; first to determine the socio- economic characteristics of agricultural extension personnel that influence the use of modern communication technologies to communicate agricultural information in the study area; secondly, to determine the availability of modern communication technologies to rural agricultural extension personnel for accessing and sharing agricultural information; and finally to identify major constraints among rural agricultural extension personnel in the use of modern information communication technologies to manage agricultural information in Machakos County. The important aspects considered were: The level of ICT training and skills in the use of the various ICT devices available to the rural extension personnel. The study also looked into how they accessed ICT devices and to what use they put ICT devices at their disposal. It was also in the interest of the researcher to find out the types of modern ICT and to what extent they are used to source agricultural information. The study also looked into demographic factors like age, professional qualification and gender that could influence access and skills to use modern ICT devices. To achieve the objectives, a qualitative approach was used in the study. Primary data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. This was supplemented by secondary data involving review of county reports, observation and document review. The population of the study comprised of extension personnel from various levels that is district, divisional and location across Machakos County. A total of 101 rural extension personnel were involved in the survey. The findings of this study indicate that: Generally, rural extension personnel do not have the requisite modern ICT devices and skills necessary to enhance agricultural information sharing. There was high computer illiteracy among rural agricultural extension personnel. Majority had not undergone any computer training and lacked in basic computer skills and therefore not able to effectively use modern ICT within their reach to improve agricultural extension service delivery. The result from this study depicted aging extension personnel. 77.2% of the respondent were above the age of 40years and almost half (42%) over 50years. Conversely, only a meager 5% were below the age of 30years.The study also found out that rural agricultural extension personnel continued to rely exclusively on the traditional methods for agricultural information sourcing namely printed material, training and seminars and only a small percentage made use of e-resources. It however emerged that; mobile phones were very popular among rural agricultural extension personnel. Over 80% of extension personnel involved in the study had their own mobile phone handsets. Mobile phones therefore present a good platform for sharing agricultural information among extension personnel and their clients.