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Information needs of poultry farmers in selected rural areas of Tanzania

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Information Development

Published online on

Abstract

This study assessed the information needs of poultry farmers in three rural districts of Tanzania. Methodological triangulation was used. Data from questionnaires were triangulated with data from interviews and focus group discussions to validate quantitative with qualitative findings. The findings indicated that poultry farmers had varying information needs including poultry disease management, poultry protection, shelter for poultry and poultry production. The key sources of information used by famers were family, friends, neighbours, extension officers, researchers and radio. There was very low identification and prioritization of farmers’ information needs. The findings implied that information providers were not aware of the farmers’ information needs and as a result they disseminated information that would not satisfy farmers’ needs. The key issues that constrained information providers from identifying and prioritizing farmers’ needs were inadequate resources, unfavourable working conditions, lack of facilities, and inadequate support from the government. Understanding the information needs of poultry farmers is crucial to effectively satisfying the felt information needs. It is recommended that information providers should conduct regular assessments of information needs, and ensure the information disseminated takes farmers’ needs into consideration.