Constraints to Use of Social Media in Accessing Agricultural Information among Crop Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to ascertain constraints to use of social media in accessing
agricultural information among crop farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue
State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of one
hundred and twenty respondents. Primary data were collected using a structured
questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean scores as well as
inferential statistics which include factor analysis and logistic regression were used for data
analysis. Findings revealed that the mean age of the farmers was 35years, 57.5% were male,
62.5% were married while 70.8% had formal education with a mean farming experience of
about 9 years. All (100%) the respondents indicated that mobile phone was available to them,
67.5% indicated availability of desktop computer while laptop was available to 65.8% of them.
Results also showed benefits of use of social media to include enriched medium of accessing
agricultural information (
x
= 2.37), easy and convenient way of communicating with fellow
farmers (
x
=1.89), encourage peer learning (
x =1.89) and promotion of active participation in
extension programmes (
x
= 1.75). Results of factor analysis showed that the respondents were
constrained by techno-infrastructural and knowledge-related factors. It was therefore
recommended that government should provide and ensure regular supply of physical
infrastructure such as electricity in order to encourage the use of social media in accessing
agricultural information for increased productivity