Leveraging Mass Media for Cassava Farmers' Agricultural Technologies Access and Utilisation in Ivo Lga, Ebonyi State
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study examined the availability, accessibility, and use of mass media for disseminating agricultural information to cassava farmers in Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Using a descriptive survey design and multistage sampling technique, 120 respondents were selected from four cassava-producing communities: Akaeze (35), Ihie (30), Amaokwe (27), and Obinagu (28). Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews, with a 100% retrieval rate. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings showed that radio (98.3%), television (95.0%), and mobile phones (85.0%) were the most available media sources, while radio (90.0%) and television (87.5%) were the most accessible. In terms of effectiveness, radio (x̄ = 3.8), television (x̄ = 3.7), and mobile phones (x̄ = 3.5) were rated high, while social media (x̄ = 2.6) and internet (x̄ = 2.3) were less effective. Major constraints to mass media use for agricultural information included limited electricity (x̄ = 3.5), poor network coverage (x̄ = 3.3), and high internet cost (x̄ = 3.0). Illiteracy (x̄ = 2.6) and lack of media training (x̄ = 2.1) were less critical. The study recommends strengthening radio and television use in extension delivery and improving rural infrastructure.
Source: JOURNAL OF ARID AGRICULTURE
Author: C.L. Njoku
Institution: Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7082447982