International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Assessment of Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Rice Farmers in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

Ume, S I^1*, Okoro, G², Ben- Chukwu, M A³, Nnaji, J O^4
1,2,3Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
⁴National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study was carried out to assess the information needs and information seeking behaviour of rice farmers in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents were selected using mult-stage sampling technique. Percentage responses, 3-likert scale rating technique and probit model analysis were used to capture the objectives of the study. The result shows that majority (63.3%) of the respondents had a low information seeking behaviour, followed by 20%; did not seek for information on rice production, while 15% 5% of the respondents had medium and high information seeking behavior respectively. Additionally, the majority (78%, 64%, 67%, 83.7% and 76%) of the respondents sourced for information on marketing were from agricultural marketing and new seed(improved varieties), productive resources such as land and harvest management respectively. Also, those who sourced information from Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) were on fertilization (78%), pesticides application (81%), weed control, (67%) and disease control (68%0). Furthermore, the respondents indicated that they sourced for information on new seed from radio. Moreover, coefficient of education, poor access to power supply and poor access to communication infrastructure affected farmers’ seeking behaviour. As well, the information need of the farmer were affected by their following socioeconomic characteristics; educational level, farm size, farming status and access to credit. In addition, the constraints to the respondents’ information seeking behaviour were poor access to information services, poor access to extension services, information not easily accessible and high cost of labour. The recommendations were need to increase farmers. access to credit, educational programmes and encourage farmers to join or form cooperative society

Keywords: Assessment, Information needs, Information Seeking Behaviour, Rice Farmers

I. INTRODUCTION

The importance of information as a catalyst in development activity, especially when available and accessible is well documented. For instance, Opeke, (2004) reported that information is “the fifth need of man ranking after air, water, food and shelter.” People need information to develop their potential through education and training, he maintained.