ACCESSIBILITY AND RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN NIGERIA

ACCESSIBILITY AND RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0  Background of the Study

Agriculture remains a major sector in most African countries where it accounts up to 40% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and up to 60% of export revenue. It is considered a major source of income to a significant share of rural households. Despite this importance, the agricultural sector in Africa has consistently faced a crucial problem of low productivity. As consequence, increase in agricultural crop production relies mainly on area expansion (Alia, Nakelse & Diagne, 2013). However, area expansion is becoming difficult because of the demographic pressure due to population increase and urbanization. Similarly, water is becoming a rare commodity in many economies, especially in West Africa.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), known as the Global Goals, reinforce the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), 8 anti-poverty objectives that the globe is dedicated to attaining come 2015. Goal number two (2) intends to get rid of the issue of hunger, attaining food stability and enhanced diets, and enhancing productive agriculture.