Information needs of small- scale farmers in Tanzania a case study of Kongwa district, Dodoma region
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Date
2011
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study was conducted in Kongwa district Dodoma region and it examined the
information needs of small- scale farmers in Kongwa district. The study employed a
case study research design and used a combination of methods to collect both
quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative data (Focus Group Discussions,
observations, and key informant interviews). Purposive and random sampling
techniques were used to select a sample often (10) key informants and seventy (70)
farmers from two Villages that were purposively selected. Key findings revealed that
farmers have a wide variety of information needs including information on diseases,
pesticides and pest control, weather conditions, agricultural implements, credit and
credit facilities, markets, fertilizers and information on improved seeds, agriculture
vouchers, and information on crop farming. Key sources of information used by
farmers are the radio, neighbours or friends, village leaders, agriculture extension
officers and personal experience. The findings further revealed that small-scale
farmers face many constraints, including insufficient number of extension officers,
the lack of a knowledge- sharing culture, lack of information services/centres, low
level of awareness information sources, time constraints, inadequate funds, the lack
of timely access to current and relevant information and language barriers. The study
recommends that since the information needs of small- scale farmers are not static
but change from time to time, there is a need to conduct periodic needs assessments
in order to meet their current information needs. The Government should also
increase number of extension staff so that more farmers can be accessed by them.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Small-scale farmers, Kongwa district, Dodoma region, Pesticides-pest control