Access and use of agricultural information and knowledge in Tanzania

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess access to and use of agricultural knowledge and information in the rural areas of Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachMixed quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods were deployed. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 181 farmers in six districts of Tanzania. Focus groups and participatory techniques (i.e. information mapping and linkage diagrams) were also used to collect qualitative data from 128 farmers in the same districts.FindingsThe results showed that deep, rich and complete data can be collected through the mixed quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques. The findings demonstrated that the knowledge and information needs, and information‐seeking patterns of farmers were location specific. The major sources of information for farmers were predominantly local (neighbours, friends and family), followed by public extension services. Apart from radio and cell phones, advanced technologies (i.e. internet and e‐mail) and printed materials were used at a low rate despite their existence in the communities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on information needs, map communities' knowledge and information sources, create awareness of information sources and knowledge culture, use participatory methods in design and development of technologies and use multiple sources of knowledge and information (such as print and technologies) to deliver relevant information to farmers.Originality/valueThe study provides a deep understanding of access to and use of agricultural knowledge and information in the rural areas, which necessitates a need for demand‐led and client‐based knowledge and information services in order to meet the disparate farmers' needs. These findings can serve as an example for the increasing use of mixed quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods in information behavior research.

Receiving the Agriculture Information through Mass Media and Interpersonal Sources among the Rural Community

“…One of the reasons that might contribute to this is that the frequency and the quality of interpersonal communication that occur between rural community and interpersonal sources such as friends, family members and village leaders (Okwu and Daudu, 2011;Lwoga et al, 2011;Ogbama, 2010;Daudu et al, 2009). The close relationship that exists between these groups enables the agriculture information sharing.…”

“…The close relationship that exists between these groups enables the agriculture information sharing. Lwoga et al (2011) for example have stressed that interpersonal sources such as friends, family members and neighbours are always become the main providers of the agriculture information due to their credibility, reliability and most of all, they are trusted by the rural community. Furthermore, Lwoga et al (2011) revealed that agriculture information received from the mass media is considered as one way communication whereas the agriculture information received from interpersonal sources are considered as two way communication where the rural community have the chances to gain a deep understanding of the information received.…”

“…Lwoga et al (2011) for example have stressed that interpersonal sources such as friends, family members and neighbours are always become the main providers of the agriculture information due to their credibility, reliability and most of all, they are trusted by the rural community. Furthermore, Lwoga et al (2011) revealed that agriculture information received from the mass media is considered as one way communication whereas the agriculture information received from interpersonal sources are considered as two way communication where the rural community have the chances to gain a deep understanding of the information received. Nevertheless, roles of government officers (especially extension agents) should be further strengthened in order to do this In term of mass media sources, rural community living along Pahang and Muar rivers was found to receive more agricultural information from television and newspaper compared to radio, magazine and internet.…”

“…Furthermore, Rees (2000) have claimed that NGOs are significant sources for agriculture information in the areas where they are active. Interestingly, it was revealed by Okwu and Daudu (2011);Lwoga et al (2011);Ogbama (2010) and Daudu et al (2009) that friend, relatives and neighbours are regularly available and accessible to the farmers to gain the agriculture information they need. (32km) in width, the river completes its 271 miles (436 kilometres) passage to empty into the South China Sea.…”

Total Information Score, Multivariate Analysis and Usefulness of Agricultural Knowledge and Information of Irrigation Farmers in North Western Nigeria

“…However, only 13% out of 61.7% of the farmers in Lesotho are of the view that prints media is one of the appropriate technologies to disseminate information. However, Lwoga, Stilwell & Ngulube (2011) [8] significantly differ from Mokotjo & Kalusopa (2010). For Open Access Library Journal them, print materials have low usage due to their unavailability and illiteracy levels of most of the farmers in Tanzania.…”