Abstract
This study focuses on harnessing ICT as a transversal skills approach in transforming food security for smallholder farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, from the perspective of extension agents. The research questions focus on the current level of ICT skills among extension agents, the challenges they face, the benefits and opportunities they perceive, and the necessary resources for effective implementation. The study adopted descriptive survey research design using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 100 extension agents. The study used Mean and standard deviation in data analysis. The study concluded that the current level of ICT skills among extension agents working with smallholder farmers in Kaduna State is low. The majority of the surveyed extension agents lack adequate ICT skills, which hinders their ability to utilize ICT tools and services for improving food security. Additionally, various challenges and barriers were identified, highlighting the difficulties faced by extension agents in harnessing ICT as transversal skills for enhancing food security among smallholder farmers in the state. Harnessing ICT skills across different aspects of food security through mobile applications, online platforms, and agricultural databases offers a means to deliver real-time information, weather updates, improved access to relevant agricultural knowledge, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and increased market opportunities for smallholder farmers will transform food security. The study recommended that Kaduna state government and non-governmental organizations should embark on capacity building programs for extension agents, aimed at enhancing their ICT skills and knowledge across all aspects of food security, efforts should be made by government and NGOs to ensure that extension agents and smallholder farmers have access to the necessary resources and infrastructure required for effective implementation of ICT-based solutions among others.
Keywords: ICT, Transversal Skills, Food, Security
Publication Date: 2023-12-09