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Utilization Of Information Among Arable Crop Farmers
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In agriculture, the role of information cannot be over emphasized in
enhancing the agricultural development. Information is crucial for
increasing agricultural production and improving marketing &
distribution strategies (Oladele, 2006). Communication is critical to
finding solution to problems of food production through facilitating
research- farmer linkage using ICTs (Dauda et al., 2010). Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are foundation of the new global
information based economy. They are increasingly becoming the key
drivers for socio-economic growth. Notably the role of information in
farming is significantly meant to reduce the influences of risk and
uncertainty-related factors. Bala and Sharma (2008) and Singh et al.
(2011) argue that to compete the global market today, our farmers should
have latest information regarding new techniques of farming, new
methods of cultivation, new crops, seeds, pesticides, water management,
marketing of the product, government policies regarding agriculture,
export potential of their crops. Information and knowledge are very
vital in agricultural development of any community, non-availability of
basic agricultural knowledge and information for Arable crop producers
in Edo and Delta State as a result of certain problem will enable these
farmers stick to their old traditional ways of farming system hence
resulting in poor crop productivity. Also in situation whereby the
farmers lack access to knowledge and information that would help to
foster them in achieving maximum agricultural yield, they are not only
grope in the dark but are driven to big cities in search of formal
employment, as the only option for survival (Munyua, 2000). Blait (1996)
speculated that the least expensive input for improved agricultural
development is adequate access to knowledge and information in areas of
new agricultural technologies, early warning systems (drought, pests,
diseases etc), improved seedlings, fertilizer, credit, market prices
etc. There have been short-comings of traditional print and library
based methods of providing such agricultural information to arable crop
producers whom are likely low standard and relatively remote from access
to information (e.g. extension stations, libraries). In the past
decades, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has experienced steady decline in
productivity. However, in recent time, indices has showed that the
sector have started witnessing a gradual but slow growth (Oladipo,
2013). This growth was necessitated by population growth, changing
climate and technology needs (Henri-Ukoha et al., 2012). These
technologies are innovations such as ICT facilities, mechanized farming
equipments, improved and high yielding varieties, and integrated pest
management control, post harvest technologies, efficiency in land use,
among others. Access to information technology is highly gotten by these
and can only be made available ti them through extension workers, state
and local government and community libraries (ADP, ENADEP etc)
Telecommons Development Group, 2000).
Arable crops; they are crops
which are cultivated on ploughed land. Agronomically arable crops can be
grouped as follows:- cereal crops; e.g. maize and wheat. Legume crops;
e.g. cowpea and groundnut. Root and tuber crops e.g. cassava and yam.
Fibre crop; e.g. cotton and jute. Stimulant crops; e.g. tobacco. Some
arable crops are prevalent in Edo and Delta State.
Maize (Zea Mays
.L.); Maize is also known as “Indian crop†or “simple cornâ€. It is a
cereal crop that is grown widely throughout the world (Anon, 1993).
Maize is produced annually than any other grain. About 50 species exist
and consist of different colours, textures, grain shapes and sizes.
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