Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) Employed by Young Farmers in Access and Use of Dairy Agricultural Information in Muranga County, Kenya
Published: 2019
Author(s) Name: Martha Wanjiku Thuo, Rose Wambui Njoroge, Lucas Wanangeye Wamalwa |
Author(s) Affiliation: Library Department, Murang’a University of Technology, Kenya.
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Abstract
Information Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the way information is created, stored, accessed and disseminated. It
has the potential to enhance access and use of agricultural information by farmers in rural areas thereby improving their farming practices. The
study was undertaken to assess how young farmers use ICT technologies in accessing and using dairy agricultural information in Murang’a
County, Kenya. The study aimed at assessing the awareness by farmers on technologies available for use in accessing agricultural information
and strategies used by farmers in accessing and using dairy agricultural information as a way of promoting dairy farming production. The
results of the study revealed that 88% of the farmers agreed that they were aware of the use of technology in accessing agricultural information.
75% of the respondents used radio where television was rated second while mobile phones were rarely used. Majority at (80%) never used
technologies such as computers, CD/DVD and social media to access and use dairy agricultural information. Three quarters (75%) preferred
using other sources such as extension workers, friends, and relatives over technology. All the extension officers interviewed used technology
to acquire and disseminate information. Radio was highly used, followed by internet/web services and social media. The study concluded that
dairy farmers have limited access to modern technologies such as mobile phones in access and use of agricultural information. The Kenya
National Library Services in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production should set up exhibitions and information literacy
programs for dairy farmers. Infrastructure should be improved in the rural areas of Murang’a County by setting up Cyber cafes within the subcounties
and educate dairy farmers on the use of ICT technologies to access and use agricultural information.
Keywords: Youth, Small-Scale Farmers; ICTs, Dairy Agricultural Information, Access and Use of Agricultural Information
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