Abstract

 This research analyzed access and use ofInformation and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among contact and non contact fanners in Benue State, Nigeria. Purposive and multistage random sampling techniques were used in selecting 120 farmers (60 contact farmers and 60 non contact farmers). A structured questionnaire schedule was employed to collect data for the study and was analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequency counts. Percentages and mean scores) and inferential statistics (paired Ztest). Results from the study showed that contact farmers had access to Broadcast/Audio-Visual Technologies such as radio, television, projectors and video recorder, while the non contact farmers had access to radio and television. The contact farmers accessed Telecommunication/Computer technologies such telephone/GSM, computers, internet, e mail and satellite dish and the non contact farmers’ accessed telephone/GSM. The contact farmers also accessed Print Technologies such as newsletters, newspapers, leaflets, posters, research bulletins, magazines, annual reports, diaries and agricultural journals, while the non contact farmers accessed newspapers and magazines. The result on the use of ICT’s showed that both ■ farmer groups used Broadcast/Audio Visual Technologies such as radio and television. Telecommunication/Computer Technologies used by contact farmers include; telephone/GSM, computers, satellite dish, e mail and internet, while the non contact farmers used telephone/GSM. Print Technologies used by contact farmers in sourcing agricultural information were leaflets, newsletters, research bulletins, posters, agricultural journals, diaries, calendars, newspapers, magazines and annual reports and the non contact farmers used newspapers. The result of Z - test analysis showed that contact fanners had more access and use to these CT facilities at 1.00% level of probability. Policies aimed at ensuring steady electricity supply, regui ir ICT trainings for farmers and subsidy on ICT facilities at reduced cost for effective information and technology dissemination were advocated