INFORMATION LITERACY TRAINING OF RURAL FAMERS FOR ENHANCED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN OHAJI/EGBEMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN IMO STATE,NIGERIA.

Abstract

Information literacy of farmers is significant for the growth of farmers, increased farmer's income and production, promoting efficiency of agriculture and rural development. The current farmer information literacy is apparently incompatible with the demand for them in information age. The study aims at exploring the information training skill of farmers in Ohaji/Egbema of Imo State. Besides the review of relevant literature the study conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 200 farmers in twenty (20) communities of the region. The analysis of the survey shows that farmers need information for various purposes of farming activities, and they need sources and media to access information mostly to improve on their farming. Many of the farmers however cannot make use of the modern technique in agriculture because of their low educational level. Fund and skill to acquire and use modern technology is a problem to the rural famers. Poor accessibility to electronic information affects farmers access to needed information. The paper recommends the provision of training program to famers to enhance their skill in farming is very vital. It is also important for the famers to explore aill media channels of communication by local and state governments to get information.Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) should be introduced by the local government authorities in local languages and to encourage their understanding and implementation of ideas and programs in thebest possible way.