Preference sources of information used by Seaweeds Farmers in Unguja, Zanzibar

Abstract

This paper reports results from a research that aimed at assessing the preference sources of information used by seaweeds farmers in Unguja, Zanzibar. The study was carried out in five purposefully selected villages in Unguja District, Zanzibar. The study used a sample size of 100 respondents and study employed a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected by using documentary review, questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16.1 while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings of the study showed that Neighbours and or friends, radio, family/parents and personal experience are types of information sources used in the study area, but television and radio was mostly preferred consulted by respondents. The study results also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information through information sources in the study area were associated with inadequate funds, lack of information services, poor infrastructure and inadequate extension agents. It is therefore recommended that the government should support rural electrification, ICTs infrastructure and improve transport system so that modern agricultural information sources/facilitates can available, accessible and used in these areas.