Attitude of Stakeholders in the Agricultural Extension System towards ICT Use in Punjab, India

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly used in agricultural extension to improve access to timely and relevant information. This study assessed the attitudes of key stakeholders towards ICT use in Punjab’s agricultural extension system and examined relationships between selected socio-personal characteristics and attitude. An ex post facto research design was adopted. The sample comprised 60 agricultural scientists, 104 extension personnel, and 225 farmers selected through multistage sampling. Attitude was measured using a validated 20-item Likert scale with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. Across stakeholder groups, favourable attitudes towards ICT predominated, with scientists showing the highest favourable attitude levels, followed by extension personnel and farmers. Education (r = 0.451, p < 0.01), training exposure (r = 0.482, p < 0.01), and ICT possession (r = 0.493, p < 0.01) were significantly and positively associated with attitude, while organisational participation showed a positive association (r = 0.286, p < 0.05). Age showed a negative but non-significant association (r = −0.142). The findings indicate a generally favourable behavioural orientation towards ICT across Punjab’s agricultural extension stakeholders, although the intensity of attitude varied among groups. Strengthening digital literacy, improving access to ICT resources, and providing need-based training may support more effective ICT-enabled agricultural extension.