Digital Tools Utilization Among Extension Agents in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of digital tools has been hailed as a critical step in advancing agricultural extension work in this decade. This study examined the level of utilization of digital tools in extension service delivery amongst extension agents in Edo State.  A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from fifty (50) out of eighty-eight (88) extension agents in the State, that were selected using two stage sampling procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistic (logit regression). Results showed that there were more males (72%) respondents among the extension agents and majority were single (64%), educated (94%) and in their productive age. Results also show that the extension agents (100%) were aware of most  digital tools and were able to use them (mobile phone (mean=3.00), television (mean=2.86), emails (mean=2.86), WhatsApp (M=2.86), Facebook (Mean =2.86). However, the frequency of usage of TikTok, (mean =1.82), YouTube (mean =1.28),E- journals (mean = 1.14) and some others were low. The logit regression result showed a non-significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics (age =0.025), marital status (2.195, Educational level (1.483) of agricultural extension agents and their usage of digital tools. The study recommended that relevant agencies as well as government and non-governmental agencies should assist in the provision of digital tools to extension agents and encourage them to use modern digital tools that are not frequently used. Also, there should be a comprehensive training programs to enhance the digital literacy skills of extension workers.