E-Resources Accessibilty among Agricultural Researchers and Extension Personnel in North-Western Nigeria

ABSTARCT: This study examined the accessibility of electronic resources (e-resources) among agricultural researchers and extension personnel in North West, Nigeria. Specifically, the findings show their socio-economic characteristics and types of e-resources accessibility A multistage sampling procedure was adopted, in first stage, three of the States’ ADPs out of seven (Katsina, Kano and Kebbi States) was purposively chosen, taking into cognizance on the need to give geographical representation, security situation and coverage of the Zone. In the second stage, based on the lists of the 715 NAERLS researchers (Frame) from various agricultural discipline obtained from the Institute (Population), 251 staffs were randomly and proportionately selected as recommended by Raosoft calculator. In the third stage, according to the list of 1431 (Frame) extension personnel’s gotten from the three states ADPs, 443 extension personnels were sampled randomly and proportionately. This number was based on the recommendation of Raosoft calculator as response distribution. Thus, making the total sample size 694 selected proportionately for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics were used. Results showed that respondents’ ages ranged between 20 and 60 years, with a mean of 39.8 years, and the majority were males (90.38% and 55.6%) for extension personnels and researchers respectively, the findings also shows that majority were married 91.08% and 86.57%. The results underscore a pronounced disparity in digital infrastructure access and technological readiness between agricultural researchers and extension personnel in Nigeria’s agricultural innovation system. Access to computers and smart devices remains critically constrained for extension personnel. Only 15.49% of extension agents reported unrestricted access to computers, with 26.53% indicating complete unawareness of such tools. Conversely, 95.9% of agricultural researchers enjoy full access. Similarly, smartphone/tablet availability reflects a comparable trend, with only 34.27% of extension agents having unrestricted access and 27% unaware of these tools. It recommends targeted training, improved ICT infrastructure, and supportive institutional policies to enhance e-resource adoption for agricultural research and extension.