An assessment of the impact of ICTs in development communication: a study of residents of Owerri Metropolis

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of ICTS in development communication among residents of Owerri metropolis. The study was anchored on diffusion of innovation theory and participatory theory. Employing survey research design, sample size of 384 was derived using the Wimmer and Dominick sample size calculator from the population of 555,500. The multi-stage sampling technique served as the sampling technique with questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Findings showed that the respondent's level of ICT literacy is moderate; their level of ICT usage is very high at 49.2%. At an average mean value of 3.5, respondent's knowledge level towards ICT as a tool for development communication was found to be very high. ICTs have been greatly impactful in fostering development communication on the practices of residents of Owerri Metropolis at an average mean of 3.4. Also, digital divide/illiteracy between the information rich and information poor; cost; the sophisticated nature of ICTs; and cryptic network connection/cryptic power supply are found to be the challenges against the impact of ICTs as a tool for fostering development communication at an average mean of 3.3. The study, concluded that, for development communication to be fully attained, the adoption and the use of the information and communication technologies becomes a necessary evil that will enhance development in different areas of human endeavour. The study, recommended inter-alia that, the government should intervene in mitigating the challenges bedevilling the use of ICTs in fostering development communication.