Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools Among Masbate Rice Seed Growers

This study aimed to determine the awareness, adoption, and utilization of the active rice seed growers of the different ICT-based resources on rice production, their competence and technological capacities to access the different resources, and the recommended practices available for adoption, particularly along: improved agricultural management practices; early warning system and weather updates; and agricultural mechanization. A total of 36 active rice seed growers participated in a series of focus group discussions. Findings revealed that seed growers have a very low level of awareness, competence, and technological capacity in the presence of various ICT-based resources. Some seed growers do not have internet connections due to high connection costs with lower internet speeds. Accordingly, a huge number of rice seed growers were non-adopters, there were very few who adopted the ICT-based resources, particularly in terms of agricultural management practices and experienced the benefits of accessing the resources such as getting prompt answers to pest and disease problems, fertilizer recommendation, characteristics of rice seed varieties and rice seeds that are adaptable in their areas, new technologies in rice farming. They suggested producing IEC materials for seed growers on ICT-based resources on rice and promote technology adoption to farmers to address the lack of awareness; enhancement of internet signal speed by regulating the internet service providers to address the problem; inclusion topic on ICT usage during training/retooling of rice seed growers to address the problem on lack of technical know-how on ICT; provision of tablet to rice seed growers and provision of free internet Wi-Fi for all farmers as solutions to the problems on lack of computer and internet connection at home.