Exploring the Use of Information Communication Technologies by Selected Caribbean Extension Officers

Strong, Robert L.; Ganpat, Wayne; Harder, Amy; Irby, Travis L.; Lindner, James R.

doi:10.1080/1389224x.2014.927373

Cited by 37 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…However, none of the masters' degree holders reported experiencing any technical challenges with using Farmbook. These results are similar to those of Strong et al [5], who found that educational levels of extension officers played a role in technology acceptance with higher levels of education earned resulting in an increase in technology use. Doss and Morris [22] found that educational level was one of the most commonly cited binding constraints in technology adoption.…”

Section: Relationship Between Farmbook Challenges and Agesupporting

confidence: 81%

“…Interestingly, Anastasios et al [4], in their study of ICTs as agricultural extension tools in Greece, found that ICTs supplement rather than replace traditional extension methods. A study exploring the use of ICTs by extension agents in the Caribbean found that they use ICTs for personal benefits and increased professional productivity, but also continue to use traditional interaction methods with farmers [5]. However, Lasley et al [6] have expressed the view that ICTs could eventually replace traditional information and training systems used by extension services and even alter the role of extension agents.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Social Factors That Influence Use of ICT in Agricultural Extension in Southern Africa

Tata

McNamara

2016

Agriculture

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Farmbook is a novel information communication technology (ICT) tool for agricultural extension that is currently being field tested by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Southern and East Africa. Farmbook enables extension agents to assess productivity and profitability of farming enterprises in a faster and more reliable manner, so as to increase farmer incomes and achieve food security. This study looked at the relationship between challenges faced by extension agents testing the Farmbook application and select socio-economic indicators influencing their work. Specific objectives were to identify and categorize the challenges facing extension agents in the field as they used Farmbook, assess gender differences in the use of Farmbook by extension agents, understand the relationship between socio-economic status of extension agents and the challenges faced in using Farmbook. Data were collected through document reviews, administration of a structured questionnaire and focus group meetings with field agents. Descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques were used to analyze data. The results show that personal and wider socio-economic conditions do have an impact on the proficiency of extension agents using Farmbook. The study goes on to recommend measures to improve the training and ICT proficiency of extension agents adopting Farmbook.

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Section: Relationship Between Farmbook Challenges and Agesupporting

confidence: 81%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Factors That Influence Use of ICT in Agricultural Extension in Southern Africa

Tata

McNamara

2016

Agriculture

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“…Education played an integral part in agents' perception of value of modern methods in improving image and service quality. This is supported by the study of Strong et al (2014) who concluded that education background of the Caribbean extension officer was a key predictor for developing competencies of ICT and other relevant methods. On the issue of gender, mostly males were positively recognising and then endorsing new extension methods as a means to improve service quality and image.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 50%

“…The findings of the study add important insights into ongoing global and regional discussions surrounding competencies development of use of modern extension methods from personal and psychological perspective of extension agents (Landini, 2015;Davis and Sulaiman, 2014;Chowdhury et al, 2014;Strong et al, 2014;Kibwika et al, 2009). Overall, there is a positive perception of the extension agents that modern extension methods contribute to improving image and service quality in Trinidad and Tobago.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Nevertheless, a majority of them perceived that they could not utilize their skills and competencies due to their involvement in non-extension activities. This can be related to what Strong et al (2014) Extension supervisors and managers perceived new methods as valuable tools for improving image and service quality and overall development of the extension services. The findings suggest that supervisors and managers should identify and provide the necessary training opportunities for personal growth and development of junior field agents.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Value of modern extension methods in improving image and quality of extension: Perception of extension agents in Trinidad and Tobago

Ramjattan¹,

Ganpat²,

Chowdhury³

2017

J. Agric. Ext. Rural Dev

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Agricultural extension services have undergone a significant transformation in order to effectively address issues of poverty and hunger. It is expected that modern methods of extension will improve image and quality of extension services offered in low-income regions. In Trinidad and Tobago, vibrant and transformative initiatives include institutional pluralism, farmer-led methods, farmer field schools, plant clinics, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and value chains. However, public sector extension organization is struggling to take up necessary roles and apply new competencies necessary for the success of these modern methods. In this context, this study was undertaken to investigate the perception of extension agents of the value of modern extension methods in improving image and service quality of the extension services in Trinidad and Tobago. Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis were conducted to analyze data collected during March and May 2015 using a structured, self-reporting questionnaire from 106 extension agents. The findings of the study indicated that extension agents held positive perceptions of the value of modern methods in improving image and service quality. Age, education and experience are important predictors of perception of modern methods. Agents belonging to the medium experience (5.1 to 10 years) group had more formidable perceptions about the value of modern methods in improving image and service quality. Supervisors and managers had a positive perception of the value of modern methods. The study argued for a capacity development initiative using a strategy of coaching and training and targeting new entrants and middle aged extension agents.

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Application of the technology acceptance model to assess the use and preferences of ICTs among field-level extension officers in Bangladesh

Kabir

Hassan

Mukta

et al. 2022

Digital Geography and Society

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Exploring the Use of Information Communication Technologies by Selected Caribbean Extension Officers

Cited by 37 publications

References 16 publications

Social Factors That Influence Use of ICT in Agricultural Extension in Southern Africa

Social Factors That Influence Use of ICT in Agricultural Extension in Southern Africa

Value of modern extension methods in improving image and quality of extension: Perception of extension agents in Trinidad and Tobago

Application of the technology acceptance model to assess the use and preferences of ICTs among field-level extension officers in Bangladesh

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