Assessing the Influence of Information and Communication Technology Constraints on Cassava Value Chain Actors in Anambra State

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) constraints on cassava value chain actors in Anambra State. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava value chain actors, identify the ICT used, and determine the major constraints on the use of ICT using multinomial regression analysis.

Methodology: The descriptive survey was used in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 12 communities, giving a total of 319 respondents. Data were collected through the administration of a well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: The results indicated age of farmers between 21-40 is 42.9%; processors between 21-30 is 70.6%; marketers between 21-30 is 42.9% and consumers between 21-30 is 37% with majority (59.6%) of the farmers male; processors (66.7%) female; marketers 55.4%) female; also, majority of the farmers (60.2%): processors (61.1%); marketers (66.1%) and consumers (50.0%) were FSLC holders. Mobile phones, radio, television, computers, and the internet were the tools used in ICT. The multinomial logistic regression analysis of significant constraints on the use of ICT by cassava value chain actors showed erratic power supply, poor network coverage, lack of durable, inadequate ICT training centre, high cost of ICT facilities, high cost of internet subscription, high cost of maintenance and general lack of awareness of ICT are the significant constraints.

 Conclusion: Potential interventions are needed to improve ICT access and usage among cassava value chain actors to improve their livelihood and reduce the cost of production for sustainable agriculture.