Use of information communication technologies by cricket farmers

Abstract

Cricket farming is an upcoming enterprise to most households in rural communities. Apparently, there is no documented evidence on how farmers access agricultural information on cricket value chain. This study was carried out to assess the use of information communication technologies (ICTs) by farmers to access value chain information. ICTs application in cricket farming means ease to access cricket value chain information and improved interaction between cricket farmers and stakeholders. The study adopted an exploratory mixed method research design by use of a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions to collect data. The data was analyzed by using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed and interpreted using the R-statistical software. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically by drawing meanings from themes thereof. The results showed that the most sought information was cricket rearing practices and the least was market prices for cricket products. Radio was found to be the most significant ICT channel used (p?0.05). However, most farmers complained of poor infrastructure which made it difficult for them to utilize the ICTs effectively. The outcome of this study informs stakeholders on information needs of farmers and the challenges they face while seeking for information. Key words: Cricket, farming, value chain, information, communication, technologies, integration.