Appropriation of the information and communications technologies by farmers and extension workers in Borongan, Eastern Samar

Abstract

This study aimed to describe how the information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being appropriated or adapted by farmers and extension workers to fit their day-to-day activities and to find out the consequences of using ICTs from the point of view of farmers and extension workers.

This study followed a qualitative case study design. Informants were identified using the snowball sampling technique. A total of 23 informants were interviewed, 13 of which were farmers and 10 were extension workers. Data were gathered using in-depth and unstructured interviews.

The grounded theory analysis was used to generate a model that describes how ICTs are appropriated by farmers and extension workers in Borongan, Eastern Samar. As shown by the model, the primary intentions for using ICTs were not agriculture-related. But because of certain facilitating factors, ICT use was later modified to fit the needs and lifestyle of farmers and extension workers. Their use of ICTs for agricultural purposes led to the following consequences: 1) savings in money and time; 2) fast access to information and instant communication; 3) convenience; 4) increased knowledge; 5) easier and faster accomplishment of job; 6) improved livelihood; 7) lessening of worries, dismay and embarrassment; 8) increased demand for information and technical assistance from clients and 8) people’s increased to learn.