INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Agricultural education is critical towards enabling youth to bring about economic growth and food security through agricultural activity in Anambra State, Nigeria. Nevertheless, conventional modes of teaching are ineffective because they do not appeal to the young population that is tech-savvy and thus, leading to high unemployment and poor agricultural performance. They research how well digital technologies including mobile apps and e-learning systems fit into agricultural learning to increase youth participation in Anambra State. Through the use of mixed-method, respondents were selected in three institutions; 150 youth, 30 lecturers, and 15 agricultural extension officers in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State Polytechnic, and a vocational training institution in the state of Awka. The results show that limited integration of the digital in the education system is because of the poor structure of these systems, poor levels, and lack of a willingness to use digital materials in the curriculum. Examples of opportunities are using high rates of smartphone access and young digital literacy. The research will give us information about obstacles, youth perceptions and reasonable steps that can be taken to incorporate digital tools into curricula to improve involvement. Policy recommendations are provided to facilitate the transition towards youth-led agricultural change in Anambra state that is part of the National Digital Agriculture Strategy (2020-2030) in Nigeria.