Small-Scale Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Information Sources in Northern Haiti

Abstract

Agricultural extension in developing countries can be a major source of support for small-scale farmers. In Haiti, the majority of the agricultural population is made up of smallscale farmers. In the past, Haiti’s extension system has suffered from various governmental instabilities in the nation. This study sought to (a) determine the information channels smallscale farmers use in the North Department of Haiti, (b) determine the accessibility of quality information as perceived by small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti, and (c) identify the perceived barriers to successful production of small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti. Results from this study showed Haitian farmers in the North Department gain their information for farming from a variety of sources. The farmers in this study varied in their perceptions of the accessibility of quality information in the area. While some farmers participated in groups with extension services, most farmers had not participated in these groups. Farmers in this study also displayed a lack of trust towards service providers in the region. Farmer perceptions of external factors as barriers towards production illustrated a sense of powerlessness in their production practices. Recommendations include using opinion leaders to engage small-scale farmers and build trust towards service providers.

Barriers Faced by Small Scale Farmers in the North Department of Haiti

“…Several of these barriers could be addressed through farmer support by the MARNDR extension division. However, it does not appear farmers in the North Department have access to these services (Zeleya et al, 2016). There also appears to be some similarities to what Maiga et al (2016) found in West Africa.…”

“…There is little research about farmer needs in Haiti. One recent study focused on small-scale producers in Northern Haiti (Zeleya, Harder, & Roberts, 2016). These researchers examined farmer access to timely information.…”

“…This will then allow extensionists and agricultural development practitioners to develop, deliver, and evaluate training programs for these farmers. The work of Zeleya et al (2016) can provide some guidance for developing trainings in this region. It is plausible farmers may prefer informal information sources, similar to what Sandlin (2015) found in Trinidad.…”

Online Certificate Program Moves Participants to Advanced Stages of Concern for Social Marketing

“…The lead researcher first read the statements multiple times to become immersed and gain a sense of the data as a whole (Creswell, 2005;Hsieh & Shannon, 2005). After gaining a deep understanding of the data, the lead researcher derived codes (Zelaya, Harder, & Roberts, 2016) by reading the data line by line for each respondent (Creswell, 2005;Hsieh & Shannon, 2005). Later, the derived codes were examined for any overlap or redundancy and finally merged together to develop broader themes (Creswell, 2005).…”

Small-Scale Farmers’ Decision-Making for Crop Selection and Production Practices in Northern Haiti

“…Haiti's extension services are barely seen throughout the country (Arias et al, 2013). Although regional agricultural assistance offices do exist within each of the ten departments, services are rarely provided to small-scale farmers (Zelaya, Harder, & Roberts, 2016). With little assistance, many farmers must independently make important decisions which will affect the outcomes of their livelihoods.…”