Abstract:
Background: Access to agricultural knowledge is important in transforming livelihoods of
those relying on agriculture for a living and in enhancing food security. This access to
agricultural knowledge is influenced by infrastructure needed for information dissemination.
However, information infrastructure is not uniformly distributed within and between
countries. It is because of this that some of the farming communities are information rich while
others are information poor. In Tanzania, the agricultural sector is characterised by poor
research-extension-farmers linkage and inaccessibility of agricultural knowledge at farm level
Objective: The study investigated the factors influencing access to agricultural knowledge
among smallholder rice farmers in the Kilombero district of Tanzania. Specifically, the study
identified categories of agricultural knowledge needed by farmers, determined how farmers
access agricultural knowledge, and assessed the factors limiting the accessibility of agricultural
knowledge among rice farmers in the Kilombero district.
Method: Quantitative data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires administered
face-to-face with rice farmers, community leaders, and agricultural agents in four villages at
the Kilombero district of the Morogoro region in Tanzania.
Results: The key finding indicates that farmers accessed and used agricultural knowledge in
undertaking agricultural activities. It was further revealed that the level of acquisition of
agricultural knowledge increased with an increase in age. Farmers needed agricultural
knowledge on land preparation, seed selection, and rice planting, while few acquired
knowledge on agricultural markets. Among the agricultural knowledge sources used,
demonstration plots and agricultural extension agents were found to be used by the majority
of the farmers. It was also found that a limited number of demonstration plots, late delivery of
information services, a limited number of agricultural extension agents, and poor information
and communication technologies infrastructure hindered access to agricultural knowledge
among rice farmers in the district.
Conclusion: A strong public–private partnership is needed to enhance access to agricultural
knowledge in rural areas. In this regard, the government should set up policies and strategies
that motivate private sector investment and involvement in provision of agricultural
knowledge in rural areas. The private sector should extend their agricultural-related activities
to most rural areas so that more people can have access to agricultural knowledge.
