The Role Of ICT In The Dissemination Of Information To Cocoa Farmers: The Case Of Breman Kuntanasi
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Date
2021-12
Authors
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Publisher
University Of Ghana
Abstract
The role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in cocoa farming cannot be over emphasized. The advent of information and communication technology has changed the way farmers carry out their daily activities in recent times, and cocoa farming cannot be left out in the ICTs revolution. For many years in Ghana, cocoa farmers have been heavily reliant on low-tech methods of information dissemination provided by cocoa extension officers through interpersonal communication even though relevant, accurate and timely information has now been made possible by the integration of ICTs into cocoa farming. This study therefore sought to explore the main elements contributing to the low levels of ICTs use in providing the information needs of cocoa farmers in Breman Kuntanasi, Asikuma Odoben Brakwa (AOB) District in the Central Region of Ghana. Survey questionnaires were the primary data-gathering instrument to gather data from cocoa farmers. Data used for the study was collected from a total number of 291 farmers belonging to Cocoa Co-operatives at Breman Kuntanasi Area. Study findings indicated that the primary means of disseminating information to farmers in Breman Kuntanasi was radio and television. Only 1.4% of the 291 respondents used smartphone mobile application systems or software (WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter etc.). The Majority of the farmers had no ICT literacy skills. The study also identified certain barriers to the adoption and use of ICTs, including the cost of ownership, the lack of ICT centers and community information centers, the farmers' socioeconomic situation, their degree of illiteracy, and their limited ICT proficiency. The researcher therefore outlined some recommendations that can be adopted by stakeholders, policy makers and government to enhance smooth adoption and usage of ICTs in cocoa farming business in Breman Kuntanasi Cooperative Area and other cocoa farming communities in Ghana.
Description
M.A. Information Studies
Keywords
ICT, Cocoa Farmers, Information, Breman Kuntanasi