Factors Affecting the Information-Seeking Patterns of Smallholder Farmers in Katsina State

Abstract

This paper explores the Information-Seeking Patterns (ISP) used by Smallholder Farmers (SHF), with particular reference to the factors hindering agricultural development in Katsina. There are three specific research objectives and two hypotheses of the study. Survey design was used and the population of the study was 700 smallholder farmers. The researchers distributed 280 questionnaires to the respondents of the study. The researchers recorded a 91.1% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the collected data in line with the research questions. In addition, the researchers explored the data using null hypotheses. The findings revealed that the factors affecting information-seeking patterns are: inadequate extension workers, unawareness of available information sources, inadequate funds, and lack of knowledge to seek information. Other factors identified include socio-economic status and poor response from government agencies. The study recommends that the government should employ more extension workers and establish agricultural libraries equipped with relevant information resources and services in each local government area of the state. Furthermore, stakeholders should provide adequate funds, organise workshops to train and educate farmers on how to seek and use information for their agricultural systems.

Keywords: Information-Seeking Patterns, Smallholder Farmers and Agriculture, Socio-Economic Status

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