Constraints in ICT Use in Banana Production in Kimilili, Bungoma Kenya

Despite information and communication technologies playing an important role in development, this potential has not been fully exploited, leading to low productivity and poor marketing in Banana production. This study's overall objective was to assess the constraints in ICT use by banana farmers of Kimilili Sub County. The methodology was a household survey accomplished through questionnaires. A total of one hundred and thirty five respondents were identified through systematic random sampling, from a population of 209. The results indicated that, ICTs are used by very few farmers (38% use mobile phones and 1% use computers). On services, 14.1% use SMS service and 45.3% use voice calls. 97% of farmers find information accessed not applicable. Three constraints significantly influence ICT use: tool availability, infrastructure, and geographic remoteness. Mobile phone users exhibited a variety of benefits. The study recommends that national and county governments should facilitate digitization of extension messages, improve infrastructure and carry out trainings for extension agents and farmers.

Autorentext

Metrine N. Muricho was born in 1966 in Bungoma, Kenya. She holds an Msc in Agricultural Information and Communication Management, Nairobi University (2013) and Bsc. Agriculture & Home Economics, Egerton University (1990). Her professional experience spans over 23 years in Kenyan Agriculture ministry. Currently she works in Kakamega County.