Farmers of all ages ready to embrace ICT, research discovers

ADULTS are as keen as teenagers to learn about computers, according to a new department-funded report on ICT uptake in Irish farms.

The Committee on the Uptake of Information Technology in Agriculture and Rural Communities (CUITA) reports that computer usage has been steadily increasing across all age groups.

The report found that, contrary to common belief, age was not found to be as significant a barrier as had been thought. As such, initiatives to stimulate uptake of ICT among farmers can be successful across all age groups.

This report puts rural ICT usage in a more favourable light than a recent DCU survey of 165 farmers, funded by the department, which found that more than a third of farmers have never used a computer, even though 96% have access to one.

The DCU survey noted that 87% of respondents were male and most were aged 41-50 years. Nearly 50% had internet access from home, while 20% had access from both home and work. A quarter had no internet access. Some 71% described their competency as that of a beginner or had never used a computer.

Nonetheless, to reinforce the progress found in the CUITA report, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, welcomes the report’s suggestion that local voluntary groups should be harnessed to promote ICT usage.

Mr Smith said: “I am keen to see farmers and rural families reap the full benefits of ICT. We want to see more farmers and rural families go online. This department will continue to improve the services it provides electronically to its customers.

“It will also work with other organisations involved to explore further the barriers to uptake, to remove barriers where possible, to highlight the importance and value of these technologies to rural families, and to promote greater uptake.”

The minister said the best way to achieve greater ICT usage was via local initiatives, whereby members of any community could be trained in using a PC and the Internet.