Utilisation of information and communication technologies for agricultural extension service delivery in public and non-public organisations in southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the use of information and communication technologies for specified extension delivery functions among practitioners in southwestern Nigeria. A pre-tested structured questionnaire along with in-depth interview schedule was conducted to collect data from senior officials who served as key informants from organisations. Data was analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentages and mean) and inferential (linear regression, T-test, and independent sample t-test) statistics. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents from Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun States, being purposively selected due to presence of notable Public Extension Organisations (PEO) and Non-Public Extension Organisations (NPEO) in them. A total number of 165 respondents were selected from NPEO (41) and PEO (124) organisations. Mean of respondents’ ages was higher for respondents in NPEO than PEO organisations. Years of professional experience was higher in PEO. Highest educational qualification for NPEO was Bachelor’s degree while it was HND for PEO. Raising awareness about opportunities was the extension function most respondents used ICTs for. Use of information and communication technologies was significantly influenced by respondents’ M. Sc. educational qualification and years of professional experience in PEO and NPEO. Significant difference existed in the use of technologies between public organisations and non-public organisations. There would be a need to educate practitioners from both organisations in using appropriate technologies that enhances the clienteles’ decision-making process, choice of new innovations over the old ones. It would be advantageous to implement policies that could empower both organisations to use ICT tools. This could ensure access to agricultural-related information that could improve clienteles’ standard of living.