The effect of digital divide on accessibility of Agricultural information among sugarcane farmers in Migori county, kenya
Abstract
Farmers continuously acquire and gather new information to keep with the emerging trends and
technologies in their sector in order to realize increased outputs. They store and share this
knowledge amongst themselves and with other interested parties. Access to information that is
processed to generate the knowledge is therefore a key factor to farmers. This access is
achieved through employment of the information and communication technology (ICT) tools.
However, rapid developments in the field of ICT in an economy can create a gap, between
those individuals or farmers that are early adopters’and those that are late adopters, which is
commonly referred to as digital divide. It is the gap between those with regular and effective
access to digital technologies particularly the internet, and those without. The purpose of this
study wasto empirically examine the effects of digital divide on information accessibility
among sugar cane farmers in Migori County. This was done by identifying information sources
and tools whereby a combination of company extension agents and neighbours were the main
sources and mobile phones were the most popular ICT tool. To accomplish this study, a survey
research was employed in gathering information from the sample population, adopted semi
structured questionnaire which was administered to sugar cane farmers in Awendo and Uriri
Districts of Migori County. The study found out that digital divide exists among sugar farmers
and it is enhanced by factors such as reduced interaction with extension agents and input
suppliers. Inadequate communication channels such as television, radios and mobile phones as
well as low or no access to internet also increase digital divide. Solutions to the digital divide
require actions from various agencies and stakeholders, and the commitments of the
government as well as NGOs which can be achieved through public private partnerships.
Publisher
University of Nairobi