ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTs) BY AGRIC EXTENSION OFFICERS IN COMMUNICATING AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS TO FARMERS IN PLATEAU AND TARABA STATE

This study: Assessment of the use of Information and Communication Technologies by Agricultural Extension officers in communicating Agricultural innovations to farmers in Taraba and Plateau States. The study set out to assess the extent to which agricultural extension officers use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in communicating agricultural innovations to farmers in Taraba and Plateau States. The study adopted survey research design, using quota, purposive and systematic sampling techniques. Questionnaire was administered on 373 respondents alongside oral interview for the collection of primary data. Findings show that information communication technologies have been employed in famers training at the centers and farmers are open to new innovations using information communication technologies. The research concludes that information and communication technologies have impacted positively on famers knowledge and adoption of agriculture innovations communicated by Agricultural Extension Officers. The study recommends that though the internet does not serve as the primary source of agriculture news stories for both farmers and extension workers, their training should incorporate instructions on how effectively to utilize ICTS especially the internet in sourcing agriculture information.