Edu Rekha International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Economics and Business Management
Volume- 2 Issue- 5 (September - October)
Digital Competence as a Predictor of Smart Agricultural Technology Utilization among Agricultural Education Lecturers in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria
Chijioke-Eke Joy Ndidi Ph.D.
View PDFPages: 01-08Abstract
This study determined digital competence as a predictor of smart agricultural technology utilization among Agricultural Education lecturers in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the level of digital competence, identified the availability and extent of utilization of smart agricultural technologies, examined factors influencing technology utilization, and determined the relationship between digital competence and technology utilization. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all Agricultural Education lecturers in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria, while an illustrative sample of 220 lecturers was used for demonstration purposes. Data were collected using the Digital Competence and Utilization of Smart Agricultural Technologies Questionnaire (DCUSATQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Agricultural Education, Educational Technology, and Measurement and Evaluation, while Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients of 0.87, 0.84, and 0.81 were obtained for the Digital Competence, Technology Utilization, and Influencing Factors scales, respectively, with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.86. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that Agricultural Education lecturers possessed a high level of digital competence. Smart agricultural technologies were moderately utilized, with online agricultural databases and mobile agricultural applications being the most frequently used, while drone technology and precision agriculture tools recorded relatively low utilization. Institutional support, digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and training opportunities were identified as major factors influencing technology utilization. The study further revealed a significant positive relationship between digital competence and smart agricultural technology utilization. Multiple regression analysis showed that digital competence significantly predicted smart agricultural technology utilization, while the combined influence of digital competence, institutional support, ICT infrastructure, and training exposure explained the variance in technology utilization. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be continuous professional development in digital agriculture, improved institutional support, enhanced ICT infrastructure, and increased investment in smart agricultural technologies to strengthen technology integration in Agricultural Education programmes.
Keywords: Digital competence; Smart agricultural technologies; Agricultural Education; Technology utilization; Colleges of Education; South-South Nigeria.
TOWARDS REVIVING IGBO HERITAGE: RECOVERING INDIGENOUS MEDICINE, COMMUNAL LIVING, APPRENTICESHIP, AND TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR ETHICAL, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL, AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Dr Marcel Emeh
View PDFPages: 09-17Abstract
Igbo society possesses a rich body of indigenous knowledge and institutions that historically supported health, social cohesion, entrepreneurship, moral responsibility and community development. Yet colonial disruption, religious change, urbanisation, globalisation, migration, technological transformation and changing ideas of success have weakened or altered many of these institutions. This article critically examines the contemporary relevance of indigenous medicine, communal living, the Igba-Boi apprenticeship system, traditional leadership and title-taking, asking what should be recovered, scientifically investigated, reformed, adapted or discontinued. Using a critical integrative review of empirical, theoretical, historical and policy literature, the article argues that cultural revival should not mean an uncritical return to the past or the restoration of a particular religion. Rather, it should recover constructive ways of life that can coexist with religious plurality, scientific evidence, human dignity and contemporary development. Particular attention is given to Igba-Boi as an indigenous mechanism of entrepreneurial learning and post-Civil-War resilience, including its role in rebuilding economic opportunity under severe capital constraints. The paper also examines the tension between the Igbo ethic of productive work and contemporary quick-wealth pressures, and considers how title institutions may either reinforce character and legitimate achievement or intensify materialism and status competition. Indigenous medicine is approached as knowledge deserving respectful documentation and rigorous evaluation, consistent with current international emphasis on evidence, safety and regulation. The article concludes that sustainable heritage depends on alignment between what a society remembers, teaches, practises, rewards and transmits to succeeding generations.
Keywords: Igbo heritage; indigenous medicine; Igba-Boi; communal living; traditional leadership; title-taking; cultural sustainability; psychological well-being