DETERMINANTS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES USAGE AMONG MAIZE VALUE CHAIN ACTORS IN ADP ZONE 1 OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
The study examined the determinants of ICT use among maize value chain actors in ADP Zone I of Taraba State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the ICT facilities available to them, assessed the utilization of ICT tools for agricultural information, and examined the constraints militating against ICT usage. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select maize producers, processors, and marketers. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and inferential statistics where applicable. The findings revealed that the average ages of maize producers, processors, and marketers were 43.8, 43.4, and 42.8 years, respectively, indicating that most respondents were economically active. The majority had formal education, belonged to cooperative societies, and maintained regular contact with extension agents. The most available ICT facilities among producers were radio (96.0%), mobile phones (84.0%), and television (80.0%), while processors had greater access to radio (92.0%), television (90.0%), and mobile phones (89.0%). Among marketers, television (93.3%), radio (90.0%), and newspapers (80.0%) were the dominant ICT facilities. These tools were primarily utilized for accessing production, processing, marketing, and extension information. Major constraints to ICT utilization included inadequate funding, unstable electricity supply, high costs of ICT facilities, poor network connectivity, limited technical skills, and inadequate training. The study concludes that although conventional ICT tools remain the major channels for agricultural information dissemination, addressing infrastructural, financial, and capacity-related constraints is essential for improving ICT utilization and enhancing the efficiency of the maize value chain in Taraba State.
Keywords: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Maize Value Chain Actors, Agricultural Information, ICT Utilization, Extension Services,
