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Accessibility of agricultural knowledge and information by rural farmers in Tanzania- A review

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Review Paper 01/11/2017
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Accessibility of agricultural knowledge and information by rural farmers in Tanzania- A review

Prisila A. Mkenda, Ernest Mbega, Patrick A. Ndakidemi
J. Bio. Env. Sci.11( 5), 216-228, November 2017.
Certificate: JBES 2017 [Generate Certificate]
Key: Agricultural knowledgeFarmers research Network (FRN)Information accessibilityResearch disseminationTraditional communication methods (TCMs)

Abstract

Appropriate agricultural knowledge and information are among important tools in agricultural sector development in Tanzania. The traditional information flow is set to be moving from knowledge creating organs (KCOs) such as research institutions and universities to consumers of the knowledge (COKs) who are mainly farmers. To increase penetrability of the information, there exist a special category of information interpreters known as agricultural extension officers (AEOs). In this review, it has been found that despite the established information flow structure; there are poor linkages between KCOs, AEOs and COKs. There seems to exist a fact that the agricultural knowledge and information sourced from the KCOs are not uniformly distributed throughout the country and hence many small and marginal famers have poor access to the same. Enhancing agricultural knowledge and information accessibility will not only liberate farmers from the vicious cycle of poverty but will also lead to economic development of the nation which is largely depending on agriculture. A comprehensive literature review with critical analysis of the agricultural knowledge and information accessibility by rural farmers was conducted in order to identify i. Common agricultural needs among small holder farmers in rural areas of Tanzania ii. Important sources of agricultural knowledge and information accessibility iii. Strength and weakness of various knowledge and information sources and iv. Barriers in accessing agricultural knowledge and information among rural smallholder farmers. Furthermore, areas requiring critical research on how to improve agricultural knowledge and information accessibility among smallholder farmers have been identified for implementation consideration in Tanzania.

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