Usage patterns and socio-economic factors affecting ICT usage among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana

Abstract

This study investigated the usage of ICTs among farmers and the socio-economic factors influencing their usage. It was to fill a gap in ICT usage among crop farmers in rural communities in Northern Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect primary data from 210 crop farmers (105 males and 105 females) from seven (7) districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. Structured interview questionnaires were used to collect data on key ICT Knowledge and awareness issues, usage and perceptions, challenges and constraints, and benefits of usage. The data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Probit regression). The results indicated that the popular ICT devices among the farmers were mobile phones (48.5%), radio (34.9%), and television (13.9%). Younger farmers (40 years and below) were more predisposed to using ICTs than their older counterparts. [With 75.21% (CI 0.28503 - 1.21918, P=0.002)]. Farming experience (71.50%; CI 0.23258 - 1.19742, p=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 ICT usage among the farmers in the study included poor reception, language, and content limitations. Others were the high cost of recharge credit and ICTs - particularly televisions, computers, and a lack of awareness about specific ICTs like email and the internet. The government and policymakers need to provide customized and subsidized ICTs, particularly mobile phones, for farmers in the study area. Agricultural extension officers should also consider training farmers to use mobile phones, televisions, and radios to obtain current information relevant to farming and marketing of agricultural produce, both in Ghana and abroad, to help curb poverty and food insecurity.