Assessing the information needs and information sources of urban and peri-urban livestock keepers in Kinondoni and Morogoro Urban Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper discusses the information needs of urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and the various information sources used and their effectiveness in disseminating livestock information. Mixed method approach was the methodology used in the study whereby quantitative data was gathered using questionnaires while qualitative data was gathered using in-depth interviews and participant observations. Findings from this study revealed that livestock keepers had various information needs such as disease control (95.3%), nutrition and feeds (62.2%), markets (56.3%), housing techniques (29.1%) and loans (20.1%). Urban livestock keepers also used different sources of information to access information including veterinary shops (77.2%), extension services (63.8%), fellow livestock keepers (40.2%), print sources (39.8%) agricultural exhibitions (29.1%) and seminars (12.6%). It was concluded that most urban livestock keepers do benefit from various information sources (especially veterinary shops and extension officers) to access livestock information. The study recommended for improvement and regulation of policies concerning extension and veterinary services through relevant bodies for enhanced access to information on livestock husbandry, in order to improve the livestock husbandry practices and increase productivity for economic development.