Factors constraining accessibility and usage of information among rural poultry farmers in Tanzania

Abstract

Agriculture development is highly dependent on new knowledge and information. Poultry farmers need a wide variety of information to increase their knowledge. The acquired knowledge would help them improve poultry production. Various factors may negatively impact on information acquisition and utilisation. To improve understanding of the determinants of information acquisition and utilisation, this study investigated the factors constraining accessibility and usage of poultry management information in three rural districts of Tanzania. The findings established that barriers for accessing poultry management information ranged from infrastructure, knowledge, culture to funds. Challenges faced by farmers in using poultry management information were mostly related to poverty, ignorance, and limited literacy. An understanding of the factors that constrain access and use of poultry management information can guide the planners and information providers in setting up appropriate standards for information provision in the rural areas. The study recommends that all the identified factors be addressed to enable effective access and utilisation of information.

Keywords: agriculture, poultry, rural farmers, information, Tanzania