Small-scale Farmers’ Information Needs and Sources for Improved Oil Palm Production in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Tanzania

Haruna, R. M. *

Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3002, Morogoro, Tanzania.

Shausi, G.L.

Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3002, Morogoro, Tanzania.

Churi, A.J.

Department of Informatics and Information Technology (DIIT), Sokoine University of Agriculture, Solomon Mahlangu Campus, P. O. Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Information is an important resource for empowerment of the rural communities. Oil palm small-scale farmers in many countries including Tanzania, need agricultural information for improving agricultural production. Through different sources of agricultural information, oil palm small-scale farmers acquire useful knowledge to alleviate agricultural production challenges. Though many countries including Tanzania have agricultural information infrastructures, still oil palm small-scale farmers do not obtain enough agricultural information. This study was conducted in year 2024, and aimed to determine small-scale farmers’ information needs and sources for improved oil palm production in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Tanzania. Through the use of a structured questionnaire, 120 randomly selected oil palm small-scale farmers from the following three wards were interviewed: Kagera, Businde, and Kibirizi. Checklists of questions were used in conducting key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 software. Chi-square analysis helped to find the level of association between the information needs and areas of residence at 5 percent significant level. The study found that, majority (95.0%) of the oil palm small-scale farmers needed information on markets and prices, 67.5 percent sourced information from friends and fellow farmers, and 35.0 percent shared information through facial interaction. Chi-square analysis found positive significance with information on weather and climate (X2=11.862: p=0.003), new technologies (X2=11.854: p=0.000), and pests and diseases control (X2=11.381: p=0.003). The study concluded that, a large proportion (above 70%) of the oil palm small-scale farmers needed agricultural information. Information needs, their sources, and means of sharing information were recommended so as to increase oil palm production.

Keywords: Information needs, information sources, oil palm, small-scale farmers, Kigoma-Ujiji


How to Cite

R. M., Haruna, Shausi, G.L., and Churi, A.J. 2024. “Small-Scale Farmers’ Information Needs and Sources for Improved Oil Palm Production in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Tanzania”. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports 18 (12):203-17. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajarr/2024/v18i12819.