Extension agents perception of open data usage in agricultural communication in Abia State

The study assessed agricultural extension agent’s perception of open data usage in agricultural communication in Abia State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 83 extension agents for the study. Data for the study was collected with the use of questionnaire and described with frequency counts, percentages and mean. A moderate percentage (68%) of extension agents were aware of open data with only 15% and 7% having high and very high level of awareness. A relatively high percentage (54%) understand what open data is all about with only 49% consenting to be involved in the use of open data mainly at a moderate level (66%). Extension agents mainly perceive open data to facilitate agricultural research ( x̄ = 3.2), facilitate access to research findings (x̄  = 3.2), give access to the work of other extension agents in other states ( x̄ = 3.2), expose them to innovation in agriculture ( x̄ = 3.2) and ensure timely access to all necessary information (x̄ = 3.1). The major challenges to the use of open data among extension agents were lack of fund to purchase internet bundle ( x̄ = 2.2), unavailability of internet facilities( x̄ = 2.1), lack of basic ICT facilities ( x̄ = 2.1) as well as lack of adequate knowledge of the use of ICT( x̄ = 2.0) and open data ( x̄ = 2.0). Propagation of the use of open data could be done mainly by provision of ICTs in offices ( = 3.6), training of extension agents to understand the concept of open data ( x̄ = 3.6) and provision of internet facilities for extension agents ( x̄ = 3.5). The study emphasized the need for Government through the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) to provide basic ICT tools in offices and provision of internet facilities to enable extension agents maximize the use of open data. Keywords: Open data, challenges, agriculture, extension agents