Application of ICTs in Transforming Agricultural Extension

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to investigate how extension service providers employed ICTs in transforming agricultural extension information service delivery in Tana River County, Kenya. The study examined how the application of ICTs can help to transform public extension service delivery thereby improving the farmers’ access to agricultural information.
Methodology – Data was collected from 456 farmers in Tana River County in Kenya. The farmers were identified using simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics.
Findings - The findings revealed that there was limited application of ICTs in the dissemination of agricultural extension information in Tana River County, Kenya. However, where application was prominent, an increase in productivity was noted.
Implications – The findings of this study may be used by the County Government of Tana River and the national Government of Kenya to improve agricultural productivity in the country through improved extension services.
Originality – The study was an original research conducted in a remote food-insecure county in Kenya. It links agricultural productivity to effective access to extension information services supported by ICTs.