October 21, 2020
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Women play a central role in agriculture, economy as well as the provision of household food, security and nutrition. A survey was conducted in 2014 among rural women farmers who bring their produce to three selected major vegetable markets in Ibadan: Apata, Eleyele and Bodija to determine he access to influence of information technology. Data were collected from 80 respondents, using Key informant Interview guide and structure questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed that, women farmers bring their produce from 19 villages around Ibadan: only 6.25% do not have personal GSM. Nevertheless, they rely on their neighbors to obtain market information. In addition (100%) rated mobile phones (GSM) as highly relevant to production and marketing vegetables. They all (100%) use GSM to source for market information. It has resulted in demand driven marketing where they convey their produce to markets with best price offer. Nonetheless, instability in the service provider, particularly rural areas as well as lack of power to charge their phones is limiting usage. Policy makers should be aggressive in charging service providers orientation towards rural women and in the provision of solar energy to alleviate their plight.
Food security; Empowerment; Agricultural Information; Development