ABSTRACT
Background ICT brings forth new development surfacing in agriculture. Youths need to improve their ICT abilities for the promotion of agriculture. This study was carried out in Kaduna state Nigeria. Objective the broad objective of the study was to determine the socio â€" economic factors that affect the utilization of ICT in fish production by youth in Kaduna State. Methods 100 youths were randomly selected and administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and correlation analysis. Results The results showed that age, education, pond size, quantity of fish produce and training contributed significantly to ability to use ICT in fish production. Some factors were found to be positively related to ICT utilization. Age, education and training made positive contributions at 5% level of probability. Conclusion It was therefore concluded that youth need resources (education and training) in order to utilize ICT in food production. It is recommended youth need empowerment and training to utilize ICT for food production.
KEYWORDS: Age, Education, Pond Size, Training, Production, Empowerment
INTRODUCTION
The perception of agriculture as dirty, low paying and demanding are beginning to fade with more enlightenment. Despite the wide acceptance of fish farming as an income generating activity, its contribution total domestic fish production in the country has not met the target (Akinyemi, 1998). This is basically due to lack of technological know-how by fish farmers and prospective entrepreneurs. The search for an effective strategy for agricultural development calls for adequate use and application of ICTs, which are considered as among the principal drivers of economic growth and development worldwide (Abubakar and Abdullahi, 2009). Farmers who are hooked up to new technologies fare better (Shah, 2009). Fish farmers need information to enhance agricultural management, research and development (Nkwocha et al, 2009).
ICT’s boosts information supply on improved farm technologies and the resultant effect an productivity and income of farmers; the challenge is that most Nigerian farmers are illiterates, hence they have no knowledge of the use of ICT facilities like computer and internet (Omotoyo, 2005). Nkwocha et al (2009) in their study found out that there were more prevalent factors limiting access to ICT in Okigwe zone (predominantly in the rural areas) of Imo state (Nkwocha 2009). Similarly, Shah (2009) reported that, access to broad band internet services is substantially low in rural areas and poor urban neighbourhoods of many developing countries than in the metropolitan urban.
Information technology in Nigeria has gone along way, but despite its existence, there seems to be limited access and utilization of these technologies. Consequently, therefore, there is a need to examine the social and economic factors that undermine the use of this ICT by farmers. Therefore this study was set out to identify the socio-economic factors that affect the ability of farmers to use ICT in fish production. The study answers the following research questions (1) what are the socio-economic characteristics of the fish farmers. (2) Determine the socioeconomic factors that affect utilization of ICT (3) what are the problems with ICT utilization in fish production. What are the problems encountered in fish production.
The broad objective of the study was to determine the socio-economic factors that affect the utilization of ICT in fish production by youth in Kaduna state.
The specific objectives were: 1. To identify the socio-economic characteristics of the youth fish farmer in Kaduna state; 2. Assess the socio-economic variables associated with ability to use ICT by youth fish farmers; 3. Identify the problems encountered by youth in using ICT.
Hypotheses There is no relationship between socioeconomic characteristics of youth fish farmers and their ability to use ICT.