ABSTRACT

 Information and communication technology (ICT) is seen as an umbrella in -which gap in information flow is covered and more especially gender gap, yet the issue of gender gap in information technology still exists. This study assessed Gender differentials in ICT uptake by research scientists of the three specialized Universities of Agriculture in Nigeria namely: Michael Okpara University ofAgriculture Umudike, Federal University ofAgriculture Abeokuta and Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. The specific objectives were: to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the male and female respondents, identify available ICT facilities, in the universities, ascertain the levels: knowledge, access and usage of ICT by the male and female respondents. Others include: examine factors influencing the levels of ICT uptake, compare the levels ofICT uptake between the scientists, determine the perception ofthe respondents about ICT and examine gender-rated problems associated with ICT uptake. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents which served as the primary data. Multistage sampling technique of 240 research scientists (180 Lecturers and 60 technical staff of both males and females) were randomly selected. Data for the study was analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential (Logit regression, t and z-tests). Results showed that gender distribution ofthe work force was skewed towards males hence more males than females were into ICT uptake. The mean age ofthe males was approximately 41years and married with mean household size of4 persons. They possessed higher educational degree (Ph.d39.9%), more working experience and mostly undergo training in ICT (45.6%) than their female (36.8%) counterparts. The study further revealed that the respondents’ perception was positive and the females were found to exhibit more positive perception. Also ICT facilities were available at different Universities. In terms of knowledge and use of ICT, males had more knowledge (mean= 2.73) and use (mean=2.41) of ICT facilities while both groups had equal access (mean=2.37) to ICT. Generally, access and usage ofICT facilities were low (< 2.50). The Logit regression analysis on the factors influencing the level ofICT uptake by male and female scientists indicated that sex (29.311***), level of education (89.020***), household size (17.716***), working experience (163.364***), training (19.033***) and primary assignment (18.933***) had significant relationship with ICT uptake with chi-square value of 1.96E-12. Ztest analysis on the comparison of the level of ICT uptake by gender between the scientists showed significant difference (Z = 7.789; P < 0.05) gender-related problems indicated lack of training, time constraint and limited access to ICT facilities affected the female respondents. From the result obtained, the study therefore recommends that: the government and management of institutions should focus on training/retraining and skill development ofstaff on ICT application, proper functioning of the global gateways ofreceiving/sending information to encourage high uptake, encourage women in their capacity efforts to participate in ICT designs so as to influence their content and use.