Mohammed, B.T, Abdulquadri, A.F and Pamdaya, N.
National Center for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Kwara State
Email Address: bolarindemohammed@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13207653
ABSTRACT
This study examined assessment of the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on research and development activities in Nigeria: A case study of National Center for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM). Data were collected from ninety four (94) purposely randomly selected researchers using structured questionnaire which were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and Likert rating scale. The findings from the study (N=94) revealed that Research and Development in the Center belongs to different specialization with engineers having the highest 41.5%. Also observed from the study, are 88.3%, 58.5% and 84% researchers in the Center use the internet through desktop PCs and laptops respectively. However, for dissemination of research findings to larger audience, 71.32% and 61.7% use radio and television media respectively. Above 90% of the respondents were acquainted with internet surfing, meanwhile 97.9% were able to operate computer irrespective of their area of specialization. The multiple regression result indicates that the coefficients of marital status, educational level, working experience and career path are statistically significant at 5% level indicating that these variables have great influence on the use of ICT for research and development by the respondents. It was also established from the study that irregular power supply, bad network coverage, and inadequate training on ICT usage are major constraints affectingthe use of ICT in the Centre. The study therefore recommended improvement in the use of alternative power supply (Solar energy), training of researchers and provision of more ICT tools to enhance effective and accurate conduct of research and this will ultimately increase NCAM researcher’s productivity.