Abstract:
This paper aims at assessing the information needs of rice farmers in Tanzania using
rice producers in Kilombero District as a case study. The study was carried out in four
purposefully selected villages in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region. The study used
a sample size of 80 respondents. The study employed a case study research design and
used a combination of methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data
were collected by using documentary review, questionnaires, focus group discussions
and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS, while
qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed
that rice farmers have a wide variety of information needs including information on
marketing, weather condition, agricultural credit/loan, new seeds, storage method,
planting methods, diseases and pest control, and pesticide availability and its
application. Key sources of information used by farmers are their family or parents,
personal experience, neighbors and agriculture extension officers.
The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information
in the study area are associated with lack of information services, inadequate number of
extension agents, inadequate funds, lack of awareness of information sources and
information not easily accessible. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for
government and other institution responsible to lay more emphasis on sustainable
practices on information accessibility to rice farmers and also to disseminate information
to them and address their information needs properly.
