INTEGRATING ICT-BASED LEARNING TOOLS INTO AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG STUDENTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Agricultural activities play a significant role in Nigeria’s development, especially in Benue State, but they also generate considerable waste that is often managed unsustainably, posing environmental and health concerns. This study assessed the contribution of ICT-based learning tools to agricultural education in promoting sustainable agricultural waste management among students in Benue State. The study focused on the availability and usage of ICT tools, their effects on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and the challenges limiting their effective application. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 320 Agricultural Education students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, selected through multistage sampling. Data were gathered using a validated and reliable questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at the 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated moderate availability and use of ICT tools, including mobile technologies and digital learning resources. ICT usage positively influenced students’ understanding, attitudes, and adoption of sustainable agricultural waste management practices. Nevertheless, constraints such as inadequate infrastructure, poor internet access, limited technical skills, and unreliable power supply hindered effective integration. The study concludes that enhanced investment in ICT facilities, educator training, and supportive institutional policies would strengthen sustainability-focused agricultural education in Benue State.