A survey of Information needs of agricultural extension agents in Ghana

2013

English

This paper reports on a study that examined information needs of Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAS) in Ghana. The study focused on how the AEAs meet their information requirements, extent of use of ICT by AES"s in accessing information, and the identification of challenges faced by AEAS in accessing information. Field surveys were carried out in ten Districts/Municipalities in Ghana. Questionnaire was used to collect data from one hundred and thirty nine(139)agricultural extension agents. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS).Content analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions. Results from the study revealed that AEAS required information on crop and animal production, extension methods and approaches and also had very little knowledge about Web 2 tools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Communication should collaborate relevant organizations such as Center for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) to establish more community information centers (CICs) in all districts and municipalities to enhance access to information by AEAs and also offer training in the use of web 2.0 technologies.

Osei, S. K.; Dzandu, L. P.; Folitse, B. Y.; Udzu, C. Y.