Information Need and Information Seeking Behavior among Youth Farmers in Kyerwa District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the information needs and information-seeking behavior of youth farmers engaged in various agricultural activities in Kyerwa District, Tanzania. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.89. A cross-sectional design was utilized, targeting a sample of 104 youth farmers alongside key informants, including village and ward executive officers and agricultural extension staff. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants from four randomly chosen villages across two wards. Data collection methods included self-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), interview schedules, and observation checklists. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicated that youth farmers require specific information tailored to their daily agricultural practices, including topics such as animal husbandry, crop management, quality seed selection, planting techniques, climatic conditions, and value addition. The study also revealed notable information-seeking behaviors, including the importance of comparing information from multiple sources, selecting credible sources, and seeking assistance from intermediaries. Additionally, youth farmers expressed a strong interest in engaging in agricultural activities, highlighting the crucial role of accessible agricultural information in fostering this interest. Based on the findings, the study recommends leveraging social media as a valuable source of agricultural information, emphasizing the need for youth farmers to be guided in identifying high-quality information sources. This approach aligns with the ongoing advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) and has the potential to enhance the productivity and engagement of youth in agriculture.