Utilization of mass media gadgets among semi-settled pastoralists in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the utilization of mass media gadgets among semi-settled pastoralists in Kwara state, Nigeria. A three-stage technique was used to select 120 pastoralists as respondents for this study. Primary data were obtained by using the interview schedule. Findings revealed that most of the farmers were male (100%) and married (98.3%). The size of herds of the respondents were commonly 51 to 100 herds while some had between 10 to 50 herds (31.6%). Most of the respondents sourced for information through mobile phone (97.5%), radio (95.8%) and market place (90.8%). Also, mobile phone (mean=4.0), radio (mean=3.99) and television (mean=2.28) were highly used gadgets used by pastoralist farmers. Low literacy level (mean=3.70), unavailability of mass media gadget (mean=3.57), and inadequate electricity (mean=3.36) were the leading constraints of the respondents to effective use of mass media gadgets for pastoral farming. The study suggests the need to provide adult education on use of gadgets, provision of drinking water for their cattle and stable supply of electricity by concerned organizations.