Factor Analysis towards Use of Information and Communication Technologies by the Farmers in Modernising Agriculture at Barind Tract Area of Bangladesh

AbstractThe utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is essential for performing diverse agricultural tasks, enhancing efficiency, and enabling effective communication. ICT encompasses a wide range of tools and technologies, including computers, software, mobile devices, the internet, and digital platforms. Its application in agriculture varies depending on context, and it is increasingly recognised as a driving force in modernising farming systems. A study was undertaken to examine the factors influencing farmers’ utilisation of ICT in the modernisation of agriculture in the Barind Tract Area of Bangladesh. The research was conducted in Chapainawabganj district, located in the western Barind region. A sample of 386 ICT-using farmers was drawn from two upazilas, Nachole and Gomostapur. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule during January–April 2024. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (58.03%) fell into the category of medium ICT use, while 17.36% were classified as low users and 24.61% as high users. Results of the Pearson correlation test indicated that among 21 variables examined, 12 showed significant positive relationships with ICT utilisation. Further, stepwise multiple regression analysis identified ten critical variables influencing ICT use: aspiration (X21), cosmopoliteness (X17), annual income (X13), ICT knowledge (X10), ICT use experience (X9), family labour force (X11), agricultural knowledge (X7), supervision of crop production (X6), ownership of agricultural implements (X15), and family size (X3). Collectively, these variables explained 56.17% of the total variation in ICT utilisation. Path analysis provided deeper insights, revealing that these ten variables exerted both direct and indirect effects on ICT use. Aspiration demonstrated the strongest positive direct effect (0.479), followed by cosmopoliteness (0.242). ICT knowledge (0.157), family labour force (0.124), agricultural knowledge (0.112), annual income (0.106), and ownership of agricultural implements (0.100) also exhibited notable positive direct effects. Overall, the study highlights that farmers’ aspirations, social connectedness, knowledge base, and economic resources are key drivers in the effective utilisation of ICT for agricultural modernisation in the Barind Tract Area.