TABLE OF CONTENT
APPROVAL
DEDICATION
DECLARATION
.
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
LIST ACRONYMS
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT .:
CHAPTER ONE
1
GENERAL INTRODUCTION i
Introduction
I.IHistorical perspective I 1 .2 Theoretical perspective 3 I .3 Conceptual perspective 3 I .4 Contextual perspective 4 I .5 Purpose of the study 4 1 .6 Problem statement 4 1 .7 Research objective 5 1 .7.1 Research questions I .8 Scope of the study 6 I .8.lContent scope 6 1 .8.2 Theoretical scope 6
1.8.3 Time scope
6 1 .9 Definition of key terms 6
CHAPTER TWO
7
LITERATURE REVIEW
7
Introduction
7
2.1 Theoretical framework
7
vii
2.2 Conceptual framework ~
2.3 Review of relevant literature 9
2.4 Related studies 9
2.4.1 Application of ICT tools in agriculture sector 9
2.4.2 Role of ICT in agronomic practices I I
2.4.3 Constraints and issues of implementing the ICT 13
2.5 Gaps in literature 14
CHAPTER THREE .• 15
METHODOLOGY is
Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Study Population 15
3.3SampleSize 15
3.4 Sampling method 16
3.5 Research Instruments 17
3.5.1 Questionnaires 17
3.5.2 Interviews 17
3.5 Validity and Reliability 17
3.5.1 Validity 17
3.5.2 Reliability of data 18
3.7 Data Analysis 1$
3.7.1 Qualitative*data analysis is
3. 7.2 Quantitative data analysis 18
3.9 Limitations of the study and probable solutions 19
CHAPTER FOUR 20
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS 20
41 Introduction 20
4.2 Background information about respondents 20
4.3 Applications of ICT tools in agriculture sector 23
VIII
4.4 The role of ICT in agronomic practices 25
4.5 Constraints and issues of implementing the ICT in agriculture 27
CHAPTER FIVE 29
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 29
5.0 Introduction 29
5.1 Summary of findings 29
Conclusion 30
5.3 Recommendations 3 1
5.4 Areas for further Research 31
REFERENCES 32
APPENDICES 35
ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the application of ICT tools in agriculture sector at the District level. The study found out the role of ICT in agronornic practices, constraints and issues of implementing the ICT in agriculture in Kabalore district. The researcher used qualitative and quantitative methods. The study went on unveiling various applications of ICT tools in agriculture sector which were Geographical Information System, Handheld Personal Computer, Mobile Phone Applications, Internet, Web-Based Applications, Community Radio Stations and Global Positioning System. Furthermore, several roles of ICT in agronomic practices were found to include Models for crop variety selection, Key tools for land planning and management, Soil quality assessment is done with some useful technologies, ICTs supported Irrigation, Fertilizers, pesticides and quality of yield management, Identification of nutrient deficiencies, and Tools for Pest and Disease Management. Semi-structured interviews supported with document reviews were used for the data collection. District extension system has identified constraints and issues of implementing the ICT tools in agriculture which included lack of hardware and software infrastructure, prevalence of inadequate training and skills, shortage of research priorities, people/community issues, inadequate training and research, political issues, and adoption barriers and their alleviation. The district government has to address the above constraints and issues in order to implement the ICT tools in agriculture and to increase the produce.
