Agricultural Journal

Year: 2008
Volume: 3
Issue: 5
Page No. 414 - 417

Improving Technology Perception Through Information and Education: A Case of Biotechnology in Nigeria

Authors : A.E. Adekoya and O.I. Oladele

Abstract: This study investigated improving technology perception through information and education: A case of biotechnology in Nigeria, due to the importance the subject currently enjoys. The study was conducted in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria. A workshop was organized for the sole purpose of presenting information on biotechnology as a field and as a necessary technology that can be safely adopted by even peasant farmers. The several areas of biotechnology where the audience can participate and explore were presented by speakers. Ninety-five participants at the workshop formed the respondents for the study and a questionnaire was designed to elicit information on the participants� awareness, knowledge, perception and attitude about biotechnology and its products, before and after the workshop. The results show that the ages of the respondents which ranged from 19-56 years with a mean and mode of 41 years. It also reveals that all the participants, apart from 14.8%, had educational qualification higher than secondary school. Majority (63%) were civil servants including those from the Ministry of Agriculture and Research Institutes, 24% from the academia and others from private organisations. Through the education method, there was change in perception after training. Before the workshop 67.4% of the respondents said they would eat food made from GM crops however, at the end of the workshop 80% of the same group of respondents indicated they will eat food made from GM crops. The test of difference on this item (disposition before and after the workshop) gave a t-value of 4.569 which was significant at 0.00 level. Information dissemination through method of training has contributed to change in perception of biotechnology in Nigeria.

How to cite this article:

A.E. Adekoya and O.I. Oladele , 2008. Improving Technology Perception Through Information and Education: A Case of Biotechnology in Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 3: 414-417.

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