Socio-Economic Determinants Of ICT Usage Among Rural Crop Farmers In The Northern Region Of Ghana

ABSTRACT

This purpose of this study was to investigate the usage of ICTs, which ones are popular among the farmers and whether certain socio-economic characteristics influenced usage. It was to fill a gap on ICT usage among crop farmers in rural communities in Northern Ghana. The study involved a multi stage sampling of 210 crop farmers with equal numbers for males and females from seven (7) districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. It involved the use of structured interview questionnaires on the key issues of ICT Knowledge and awareness, ICT usage and perceptions, the challenges and constraints as well as the benefits. The data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (percentages, counts and charts) and inferential statistics (Probit regression). The results indicated that the popular ICT tools among the farmers were mobile phones (48.5%), radio (34.9%) and television (13.9%). Younger farmers 40years and below were more predisposed to using ICTs than the older counterparts, with 75.21%; CI 0.28503 – 1.21918, p=0.002). Farming experience (71.50%; CI 0.23258 – 1.19742, p-value of 0.004 and ICT training (136.76%; CI 0.78537 – 1.94986; p=0.004) also influenced the use of ICT tools. The main constraints of the farmers in the study included, poor reception, language and content limitations. Others were high cost of recharge credit, high cost of ICTs - particularly televisions, computers and lack of awareness about certain ICTs like email and internet. There is the need for Government and policy makers to factor ICTs, particularly mobile phones in their programing for farmers. Mobiles phones and radio could be used by researchers to reach farmers with up-to date information.