Progress in IS, pages 471-491

Understanding the Agricultural Input Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Small-Scale Farmers: A Case of Koulikoro Region in Mali

Publication typeBook Chapter
Publication date2022-12-01
Journal: Progress in IS
SJR
CiteScore
Impact factor
ISSN21968705, 21968713
Abstract
Many developing countries have put in place interventions to help small-scale farmers to increase their agricultural productivity. Some of these interventions include the use of Information and Communication Technology tools by extension services to disseminate agricultural input information. However, to date, there is still a limited understanding of the agricultural information needs and seeking behavior of these farmers. Such understanding is needed in order to devise adequate ICT-driven interventions that are in sync with the information needs and seeking behavior of the farmers. Hence, this study investigated farmer’s agricultural input information needs and their information-seeking behavior in the context of Mali. The study adopted the Information-Seeking Task framework as the guiding theoretical lens. Data, gathered from 100 respondents, were analyzed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The results revealed that there are five farmer’s agricultural input information needs, namely calendar planning; planting; water, fertilizer, and pest management, and input provision. Furthermore, the findings showed that farmers seeking agricultural input information formally, that is, through mobile phone satisfied their information needs more than those seeking it informally through their peers. The findings suggest that farmer’s extension services should pay more attention to these results when devising their interventions.
Kante M., Kante M.
Understanding the stakeholders of mobile money services and systems in developing countries remain critical issues that need to be addressed. Using the Stakeholder Theory, along with the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, this study gathered data from 110 respondents to contribute to the understanding of the mobile money (Orange Money) stakeholders in Mali. The results characterized the stakeholders of the mobile money system and revealed that each stakeholder has its unique drivers and challenges towards the adoption of the mobile money system. These findings suggest that specific attention should be paid to each stakeholder by the mobile money operator in developing countries.
Quandt A., Salerno J.D., Neff J.C., Baird T.D., Herrick J.E., McCabe J.T., Xu E., Hartter J.
PLoS ONE scimago Q1 wos Q1 Open Access
2020-08-06 citations by CoLab: 56 PDF Abstract  
Mobile phone use is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa, spurring a growing focus on mobile phones as tools to increase agricultural yields and incomes on smallholder farms. However, the research to date on this topic is mixed, with studies finding both positive and neutral associations between phones and yields. In this paper we examine perceptions about the impacts of mobile phones on agricultural productivity, and the relationships between mobile phone use and agricultural yield. We do so by fitting multilevel statistical models to data from farmer-phone owners (n = 179) in 4 rural communities in Tanzania, controlling for site and demographic factors. Results show a positive association between mobile phone use for agricultural activities and reported maize yields. Further, many farmers report that mobile phone use increases agricultural profits (67% of respondents) and decreases the costs (50%) and time investments (47%) of farming. Our findings suggest that there are opportunities to target policy interventions at increasing phone use for agricultural activities in ways that facilitate access to timely, actionable information to support farmer decision making.
Sarstedt M., Cheah J.
Journal of Marketing Analytics scimago Q1 wos Q2
2019-06-27 citations by CoLab: 407 Abstract  
In their effort to better understand consumer behavior, marketing researchers often analyze relationships between latent variables, measured by sets of observed variables. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has become a popular tool for analyzing such relationships. Particularly the availability of SmartPLS, a comprehensive software program with an intuitive graphical user interface, helped popularize the method. We review the latest version of SmartPLS and discuss its various features. Our aim is to offer researchers with concrete guidance regarding their choice of a PLS-SEM software that fits their analytical needs.
Kante M., Oboko R., Chepken C.
2019-03-01 citations by CoLab: 31 Abstract  
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a key role in the dissemination of information on farm inputs for their increased adoption. Small-scale cereal farmers have been exposed to ICT-based farm input information in developing countries. However, an underuse of these ICTs services has led to an insignificant adoption of farm input information. That underuse was due to certain factors. The purpose of this study was to propose an ICT model for increased adoption of farm input information by establishing these factors and their relationships. A convenient sample of 300 small-scale cereal farmers was selected in Sikasso, Mali to gather data. The partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to assess the model that was being proposed. We used the technique to establish the measurement model validity and to assess the structural model (hypotheses). The result suggested that the model was highly predictive of the Use of ICT-based farm input information (80.7%). In addition, use of these ICT-based farm input information was also highly predictive (68.4%) of the Increased Adoption of farm input information by small-scale cereal farmers in developing countries.
Acheampong L.D., Nsiah Frimpong B., Adu-Appiah A., Asante B.O., Asante M.D.
2017-08-01 citations by CoLab: 14 Abstract  
A significant gap exists between advances in technologies in agriculture and what Ghanaian farmers practice on their farms. This paper examines rice farmers’ information seeking behaviour and the determinants of information utilization at Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ashanti region of Ghana. Using a two-stage sampling technique, a total of 109 rice farmers were selected for the study. The probit model was used to examine information seeking behaviour and the determinants of information utilization. The results showed that most of the respondents were literate and relied on interpersonal information sources. The major type of information received was on agronomic practices, and majority of the respondents utilized the information received. Respondents’ information seeking behaviour and utilization was found to be high which implied rice farmers are willing to utilize information received to improve their productivity and incomes. The results further signify that to enhance the use of information among farmers for relevant production activities such as fertilizer application, pesticide application, disease and weed control will require investments in extension services, increasing farmers’ access to education, targeting farmers with larger farm sizes, and higher rice yields. These factors have the potential to enhance information seeking and utilization for enhanced rice productivity in Ghana. Majority of the respondents are willing to pay for their preferred information needs. The constraints limiting rice farmers’ information seeking behaviour and utilization were the inadequate extension agents and lack of agricultural information services in the communities. It is recommended that the Government improve access to extension services by employing more extension workers to provide the necessary training support to farmers.
Ssozi-Mugarura F., Blake E., Rivett U.
CoDesign scimago Q1
2017-04-03 citations by CoLab: 27 Abstract  
AbstractThe use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing regions has gained momentum due to their increasing affordability, particularly in rural areas where other ICT infrastructures for information management are often non-existent. Giving potential technology users, the opportunity to actively engage and contribute to the design of an artefact increases adoption and sustainable use. In this paper, we illustrate our application of community-based codesign (CBCD) that led to the development of an ICT intervention to support water management in three rural communities in Uganda. The community-based system helps water managers to track water users, payments and expenditures in a bid to improve transparency, accountability and trust. We present research learnings of the method and how engagement with rural communities can be improved through the use of intermediaries and paying more attention to community values as well as exercising ethics of reciprocity in community-based ICT ini...
Van Campenhout B., Vandevelde S., Walukano W., Van Asten P.
PLoS ONE scimago Q1 wos Q1 Open Access
2017-01-25 citations by CoLab: 23 PDF Abstract  
To feed a growing population, agricultural productivity needs to increase dramatically. Agricultural extension information, with its public, non-rival nature, is generally undersupplied, and public provision remains challenging. In this study, simple agricultural extension video messages, delivered through Android tablets, were tested in the field to determine if they increased farmers’ knowledge of recommended practices on (i) potato seed selection and (ii) seed storage and handling among a sample of potato farmers in southwestern Uganda. Using a field experiment with ex ante matching in a factorial design, it was established that showing agricultural extension videos significantly increased farmers’ knowledge. However, results suggested impact pathways that went beyond simply replicating what was shown in the video. Video messages may have triggered a process of abstraction, whereby farmers applied insights gained in one context to a different context.
Aker J.C., Ghosh I., Burrell J.
2016-11-29 citations by CoLab: 229 Abstract  
The widespread growth of information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) in rural areas of developing countries offers new opportunities to provide more timely and low-cost information services to farmers, as well as assist in coordinating agricultural agents. Over the past decade, the number of public and private sector initiatives in this space has increased substantially, with over 140 deployments worldwide in 2015. While there is substantial potential for such services to address farmers’ and traders’ information and credit market constraints, economic research suggests that the impacts of such services on agricultural adoption, behavior and welfare is mixed. While this can, in part, be explained by the degree of the information asymmetry and the presence of other market failures in different contexts, research from other disciplines provides additional insights into these findings. In particular, work in the domain of human–computer interaction (HCI) focuses heavily on users’ interaction and experience with a given technology, thus explaining why users may not fully engage with ICT-based agricultural interfaces. Furthermore, sociological and anthropological approaches study the provision of information and trust and how these may be altered by ICT platforms. Drawing upon these disciplines, we suggest that future ICT for agriculture initiatives should first seek to better understand the information and complementary market failures in a given context, in order to better understand whether information is a binding constraint. Second, even if information is missing, the information services provided should be of high quality and from a trusted source, which can be a challenge with some ICT platforms. Finally, such services should be delivered via platforms that build upon local ICT access and usage, paying particular attention to the gender digital divide.
Isaya E.L., Agunga R., Sanga C.A.
Information Development scimago Q2 wos Q2
2016-10-13 citations by CoLab: 23 Abstract  
Women farmers constitute the vast majority of agricultural producers in Tanzania; however, it is not clear where they obtain information on modern farming innovations. Knowing these sources will enable the government and international aid organizations to more effectively channel information for increased productivity, leading to national food security, increased incomes for farm families and promoting gender parity in Tanzania. This study, which was carried out among 300 women farmers in Hai and Kilosa districts of Kilimanjaro and Morogoro regions respectively, aimed at identifying their sources of agricultural information. The theory that guided this study was Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations, especially Rogers and Shoemaker’s Source-Message-Channel-Receiver-Effect (SMCRE) model. The study, which yielded a high response rate of 96%, found that radio and agricultural extension workers were the primary sources of agricultural information for women farmers. Therefore, the researchers recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives (MAFC) should focus on community radio as the primary source of information dissemination to farmers and supply rural households with solar-powered radios free of charge or at subsidized cost. The finding that extension workers are women farmers’ second main source of information on farming innovations also defeats the general contention that male extension workers are inaccessible to female farmers. A peculiar finding was that even though women farmers have access to mobile phones they do not use them to obtain agricultural information, perhaps, because the MAFC does not have a system for farmers to call in for information.
Barakabitze A.A., Kitindi E.J., Sanga C., Shabani A., Philipo J., Kibirige G.
2015-09-01 citations by CoLab: 34 Abstract  
This paper explores how a wide range of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) available in Agricultural Research Institutes (ARIs) if used effectively by agriculture researchers can improve agriculture productivity in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire and telephonic interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 64 respondents made up of agricultural researchers, agriculture managers and other agricultural stakeholders in the selected institutes. Data were analyzed using statistical tools. The results indicate that ICTs tools are available in ARIs for the day to day research activities. However, utilization of agriculture journals is very limited due to unreliability and poor connectivity of the Internet and frequent power cuts. Results also show that the uses of specialized ICT devices have not taken a great recognition in agriculture activities which is attributed by low investment of ICTs that can be used for teaching and learning modern agriculture productivity techniques in institutes under this study. Among the challenges hindering the use of ICTs in ARIs includes: inadequate computers and the supporting technological infrastructure, lack of electricity needed to operate computers, unreliable Internet connectivity and lack of systematic ICTs investment; low coordination of agriculture stakeholders due to institutional diversity and department fragmentation. This study recommends that the Government of Tanzania (GoT) should formulate and implement ICT for Agriculture (ICT4A) projects based on a researched conceptual framework related to ICT4A use and Information and Communication Management (ICM) in ARIs in Tanzania.
Nocera J.A., Camara S.
2015-07-16 citations by CoLab: 3 Abstract  
We argue that designing any aspect of information technology requires an understanding of sociotechnical gaps. These gaps are inherent issues deriving from the difference between what is required socially, or culturally, and what can be done technically. In the context of a British-Kenyan project, we introduce an approach for addressing sociotechnical gaps in the design and deployment of digital resources in resource-constrained and culturally different environments. We illustrate how despite having an online, asynchronous tool to visualise sociotechnical gaps among different stakeholders in a design team, we had to complement it with a pen and paper design metaphor elucidation exercise to elicit and visualise locally meaningful user interface elements.
Jonathan N.C., Nwokocha U.
2015-02-28 citations by CoLab: 4 Abstract  
The information needs of people in the developing regions are for work-related activities, leisure, consumption, and daily survival. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the information needs and behaviours of people in developing regions. The paper further presents a highlight of concept of developing countries; analogy of the framework of the Ranganathan's categorization of human knowledge (PMEST); analysis of the theory in relation to information needs and behaviours; Ranganathan and Facet Analysis. It also explores some general parameters influencing information-seeking behaviour of types or groups of individuals in developing countries. Some of the information-seeking behaviours include passive quests for information and heavy reliance on opinion leaders, rumours, and oral sources. This is due to low literacy levels and ignorance about other sources. People generally have not adopted the habit of utilizing information resources such as libraries and information centres in their work, life, and study. Descriptive survey research designed was employed using documentary research which represents secondary sources of data collection. Methodology involves critical scrutinization and examination of existing data using qualitative descriptive analysis. Key words: Information needs, information behaviours, developing countries, Ranganathan, PMEST.
2014-03-24 citations by CoLab: 8902 Abstract  
En la busqueda de aportes al desarrollo sostenible desde la construccion y tomando como referencia la aceptacion y aplicacion practica de los pavimentos con neumaticos reciclados, se realiza una investigacion cuantitativa con el objetivo de establecer las propiedades mecanicas de un concreto a los 28 dias, sustituyendo parcialmente el agregado fino en porcentajes de 5%, 10% y 15% en volumen, por neumatico triturado reciclado sin ningun tratamiento previo. Como aspectos positivos, los resultados muestran una reduccion en el peso unitario y un aumento en la resistencia a la traccion indirecta; sin embargo, se ve afectada la manejabilidad, la resistencia a la compresion, la resistencia a la flexion y se incrementa la absorcion inicial. De igual manera, en del desarrollo de la investigacion, fue analizado visualmente el comportamiento del neumatico dentro de la mezcla, observando una distribucion heterogenea y una adherencia parcial con la matriz.
Siyao P.O.
2012-02-01 citations by CoLab: 27 Abstract  
This paper aims at investigating the Barriers in Accessing Agricultural Information in Tanzania with a Gender Perspective: The Case Study of Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers in Kilombero District. The study was carried out in three purposefully selected villages and five institutions in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region. The study used a sample size of 83 respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Data were collected by using documentary review, interviews through structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis procedure. The results of the study revealed that lack of access to the current, relevant and appropriate agricultural information in the rural areas has led to the stagnation of growth of sugar cane produced by small-scale growers. The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area are associated with the lack of means and facilities by which information can be easily accessed. It is therefore recommended that means and facilities by which growers can access agricultural information are put in place, rural women empowerment and involvement in the decision-making process at all stages, and the provision of agricultural information to rural farmers should be gender sensitive.
Kante M.
2024-02-13 citations by CoLab: 0 Abstract  
AbstractInformation and communication technology enables extension services to farmers in developing countries. Although they have been deployed and adopted by farmers, the causal mechanisms (i.e., processes through which a result is brought about) underlying their adoption and use have not been adequately studied. This study uses the Critical Realism philosophical perspective to understand and integrate the various factors into a consistent and coherent model for adopting information and communication technology‐based extension services by agricultural extension officers in Mali. The study gathered data from 26 extension officers and farmers in Koulikoro and Segou, Mali. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis with the help of the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. The results revealed that the successful adoption of information and communication technology based extension services is the leading factor that can cause extension officers' satisfaction with agricultural extension services. This satisfaction drives societal change, that is, farmers improving their knowledge of extension services and extension officers efficiently disseminating them. In turn, this change may result in higher yield and, thus, better productivity. These findings guide policymakers, managers, and network providers for higher productivity in developing countries.

Top-30

Journals

1
1

Publishers

1
1
  • We do not take into account publications without a DOI.
  • Statistics recalculated only for publications connected to researchers, organizations and labs registered on the platform.
  • Statistics recalculated weekly.

Are you a researcher?

Create a profile to get free access to personal recommendations for colleagues and new articles.
Share
Cite this
GOST | RIS | BibTex
Found error?
Profiles