AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

DETERMINANTS OF E-READINESS OF PUBLIC EXTENSION PERSONNEL FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Olaolu, Michael Olatunji; Igberi, Christiana O.; Osuji, E. Emeka and Okoye, Onyinyechi Favour

Abstract
This study assessed the determinants of e-readiness of public extension personnel in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected from seventy-five (75) extension personnel randomly sampled across the three agricultural zones of Ebonyi State working in the public sector. Frequency counts, percentages and mean scores were used to summarize the data collected while binary logistic regression was used to assess possible factors that were significant determinants of e-readiness among these extension workers. The result revealed that majority (62.7%) of extension personnel were male, and their average age was 46.89 years. Almost all (98.7%) these extension workers were aware that the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) was important in the performance of their duty. The study found that only about 7% of these extension workers were e-ready. On the socioeconomic determinants of e-readiness, age was found to be significant (P=0.035), while, ICT Skills (p=0.004) was found to be a significant determinant of e-readiness of these extension workers in Ebonyi State. The study also discovered that ICT knowledge, and years of ITC trainings were not significant determinants of e-readiness. The study recommends the in recruitments younger extension personnel and trainings should focus on skill improvement of the extension workers.