Information Needs and Challenges of Agricultural Researchers and Extension Workers in Edo State, Nigeria

Irenonsen Oyaimare Uddin, Agwu Ekwe Agwu, Ifeoma Quinette Anugwa

Abstract

This study investigated information needs and challenges of agricultural researchers and extension workers in Edo State, Nigeria. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select 106 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The majority (71.6 %) of respondents indicated their need for information with respect to climate change and adaptation measures (71.6 %). Extension workers communicated more with agricultural researchers monthly (77.5 %). Lack of office-wide internet connectivity (2.06±1.08), unstable power supply (2.05±1.07), and non-subscription to relevant online resources by employer (2.05±1.07) inhibited respondents from meeting their information needs. The study recommends that to enhance knowledge sharing among researchers and extension workers, there is need for research institutes and state government to develop electronic repositories for their research outputs as this will further help other agricultural stakeholders to access local contents immediately.



Keywords


agricultural communication; agricultural extension; agricultural researchers; extension workers; information needs

Full Text:

PDF


References


Adetumbi, S. I., Olaniyi, O. A., & Adewale, J. G. (2013). Assessment of use of selected information communication technologies (ICTs) for extension service delivery: Implication for agricultural development in Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Management & Development, 3(2), 131–139.

Agbamu, J. U. (2000). Agricultural research–extension linkage systems: an international perspective. Agricultural Research and Extension Network Paper, 106. Retrieved from https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/8202.pdf

Agber, T. (2013). Assessment of online resources usage by agricultural science lecturers of tertiary institutions in Benue State (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from http://repository.unn.edu.ng:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/1155/AGBER%2C%20TSOKURA.pdf?sequence=1

Bashorun, M. T., Isah, A., & Adisa, M. Y. (2011). User perception of electronic resources in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (UNILORIN). Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 2(1), 1 – 7.

Chowdhury, G. G. (2004). Introduction to modern information retrieval (2nd ed.). New York: Facet.

Dulle, F. W. (2000). The extension triad approach in disseminating agricultural information to extension workers: some experiences from the Southern Highlands Dairy Development Project, Tanzania. Journal of Information Science, 26(2), 121–128. doi: 10.1177/0165551004233096

Koja-Odongo, R., & Mostert, R. (2013). Information seeking behaviour : a conceptual framework. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 72(3). doi: 10.7553/72-3-1112

Kiplang’at, J. (1999). An analysis of the opportunities for information technology in improving access, transfer and the use of agricultural information in the rural areas of Kenya. Library Management, 20(2), 115–128. doi: 10.1108/01435129910251575

Mbang, E. J. (2015). Challenges in administering the Cross River State ministry of agriculture, Nigeria. British International Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 5(7), 39–66.

Mulla, K. R (2011). Use of electronic resources by faculty members in HKBK College of Engineering: A Survey. Library Philosophy and Practice. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215709296_Use_of_Electronic_Resources_by_Faculty_Members_in_HKBK_College_of_Engineering_A_Survey

National Boundary Commission. (2007). Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.nbc.org.kh/download_files/publication/annual_rep_eng/1st%20Sermester%20%202007%20complet.pdf

National Population Commission. (2006). Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.nbc.org.kh/download_files/publication/annual_rep_eng/annual%20rep%202006%20eng.pdf

Okpamen, S. U. Uwumarongie-Ilori, E. G., Orhue, E. R., Suilaman-Ilobu, B. B., Eneje, R. C., Efetie-Osie, A. (2012). Influence of climatic factors on soil reaction, nutrient application and yield output of oil palm. International Research Journal of Plant Science, 2(10), 216–221.

Omeluzor, S. U, Madukoma, E., Bamidele, I., & Ogbuiyi, S. U. (2012). Use of electronic information resources and research output by academic staff in private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Canadian Social Science, 8(3), 8-15.

Omoregbee, F. ., & Ajayi, M. . (2010). Assessment of training needs of extension staff of agricultural development programme (ADP), Edo state, Nigeria. Agro-Science, 8(2). doi: 10.4314/as.v8i2.51106

Omotayo, B. O. (2010). Access, Use, and Attitudes of Academics toward Electronic Journals: A Case Study of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Library Philosophy and Practice. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/335/

Samuel, A. (2011). Agricultural extension, administration and supervision. Retrieved from http://nou.edu.ng/sites/default/files/2017-03/AEM%20711.Agricultural%20Extension%2C%20Administration%20and%20Supervision.pdf

Swanson, B. E. (1997). Strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages. In B. Swanson (Ed.), Improving agricultural extension: A reference manual (pp. 171–178). Rome: FAO.

Tinashe, M. (2013). The information needs and challenges of agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe (Doctoral thesis). Retrieved from http://www.lis.uzulu.ac.za/etds/tmugwisi/Tinashe%20Thesis%20Printed%20June.pdf

Wang, S. L. (2014). Cooperative extension system: trends and economic impacts on U.S. agriculture. Choices, 29(1), 1–8.


Article Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Metrics powered by PLOS ALM

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




Copyright (c) 2019 Irenonsen Oyaimare Uddin, Agwu Ekwe Agwu, Ifeoma Quinette Anugwa

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.