Assessing Use of Information Communication Technologies among Agricultural Extension Workers in Kenya Using Modified UTAUT Model

Abstract

Government agricultural extension officers in Kenya are mandated with providing agricultural information to farmers. ICTs have the ability to provide better linkage between agricultural experts and farmers for timely and appropriate technical advice to enhance agricultural productivity. Several models have been developed by various researchers to explain ICT adoption in various fields. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was developed by consolidating eight famous Models/Theories in the Information Systems discipline. This study aimed at investigating the factors that influence use of ICTs by government agricultural extension officers within Kiambu County of Kenya by utilizing the UTAUT model. To achieve this, four hypothesis were

proposed to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The variables of the study were Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions and Social Influence. The research undertook a survey where a census of agricultural extension officers in Kiambu County was done. Questionnaires were utilized on the target population where 144 questionnaires were distributed and 104 were used in analysis.

Correlation analysis was used to analyze the data and determine relationships between variables with the major determining factors being the correlation (R) and the p-value of significance. The results show that there were statistically significant, strong positive relationships between Improved Productivity, Facilitating Conditions and Management support and that of usage of ICTs.

Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that for success in implementation of ICT projects in the Extension Directorate, the extension workers need to be sensitized on ways ICTs could lead to higher productivity at their work places in addition to training on basic ICT technologies that they could easily utilize in their line of work. Further, it is recommended that the Ministry rolls out appropriate ICT infrastructure and ICT support staff in the Extension offices. This will go a long way in encouraging utilization of ICTs.