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

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.