Evaluation of information communication technology (ICT) utilization among livestock traders in the central agricultural region of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is beneficial to household nutrition and food security. ICT enables easy access to information regarding the availability, accessibility, and utilization of food. Consequently, this research explored how ICT is utilized by livestock marketers within the area studied. A simple random sampling method was employed to select 100 goat and sheep marketers, along with 60 cattle marketers from five different markets. Data was gathered using questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed through percentages, frequency counts, mean scores, and Likert scales. The findings indicate that all livestock marketers surveyed were male, with an average age of 43 and an average marketing experience of 13 years. The most frequently used ICTs were mobile phones (????̄=1.44) and radios (????̄=1.28). A significant majority of the marketers (74.0%) utilize mobile phones to inquire about the availability of animals and buyers. The primary challenges related to ICT usage included high costs imposed by network providers (86.0%); inconsistent power supply (81.0%); and poor mobile network connectivity (78.6%). The study concluded that livestock marketers are active users of ICTs, especially mobile phones and radios. Therefore, it is recommended that regulations be put in place regarding communication fees charged by network companies, alongside monitoring the quality of mobile phone battery sales and enhancing the electrical power supply in the country.