Assessing the Role of E-Governance in Enhancing Citizens’ Participation in Rice Farm Development in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between E-governance and citizens participation in Rice farm development in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Specific area such as how e-governance relate with citizens access to government distribution of improved seedlings, fertilizer distribution initiative and modern farming equipment support programme were all covered. The study adopted the survey research design. The population of the study comprised of the entire rice farmers in Abi Local Government Area. Stratified, quota and accidental sampling techniques were used to extract a simple size of three hundred and fifty (350) respondents across the ten political wards of the local government. Data generated for the study was analyzed using the Pearson product correlation technique. The findings of the study revealed that e-governance has significantly enhanced farmers access to information on government rice farming development programmes such as distribution of improved rice seedlings, access to fertilizer and modern rice farming equipment support programme which has improved rice production in the area. It was therefore recommended that government should prioritize the development of users-friendly digital interfaces to ensure easy accessibility and inclusivity of rural dwellers that may be facing challenges of strong, internet access. Government should create e-platform for farmers registration where electronic identification number will be issued to all farmers to access the various agricultural development support programme to eliminate diversion by public officials. Rigorous bureaucratic process in accessing the agriculture e-wallet and mechanization should be minimized to accommodate illiterate farmers that will want to access them.