Provision of agricultural information services to small scale crop farmers in Rukwa region, Tanzania

Abstract

Rukwa region is widely known in Tanzania as one of the grain baskets of the nation. However, in recent years, crop production in the region has been on the decline. The decline has been attributed to poor market-orientation, inappropriate farming methods, products and inadequate processing facilities. This has resulted to high levels of produce wastage with majority of the population living under extreme poverty despite the government‟s green strategy to alleviate the problem. This situation is attributed to inadequate, uncoordinated and under-resourced information services that have failed to address the farming community‟s information needs. The aim of the study was to investigate the provision of agricultural information services to small scale crop farmers in Rukwa region with a view to proposing an appropriate model of information service provision to enhance crop production in the region. Specifically, the study endeavored to: determine the information needs and seeking habits of small scale crop farmers; establish the types and range of information services offered; examine the application of ICTs in the provision of information services; ascertain the challenges experienced by small scale farmers in accessing and using information services; and to propose a model to improve agricultural information service provision. The study was informed by the Information Seeking and Communication Model (ISCM). A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed in the study. Systematic sampling was used to select 150 small scale crop farmers. Purposeful sampling was used to select villages with field farm schools, 50 small scale crop farmers, 27 information service providers and six district agricultural and livestock officers as key informants. Questionnaires were used to collect data supplemented by interviews and non-participant observation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Statistical measures were used to test the relationship between variables and presented using frequency distribution tables, bars, charts and figures. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed based on study objectives. The findings showed that small scale farmers have various unmet and dynamic information needs. They needed information on where and how to get market for their crops, credit and loan facilities, input subsidy and horticulture, among others. They sought information mostly from informal sources, preferably gatekeepers, church/ mosque and village leaders. Among the information services provided included document delivery services, technical advice, and on farm reference services. ICT services were available but not accessible in most areas due to several challenges. The study concludes that despite the importance of agricultural information to small scale farmers, its availability is hampered by many obstacles. The study recommends that agricultural information needs should be assessed regularly and properly addressed; there should be a linkage between agricultural research institutions; information systems and services. A centralized agricultural database management system should be established to collect, organize, and disseminate agricultural information to small scale crop farmers to enhance crop productivity.