Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/2

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Challenges associated with the use of information and communication technologies in information sharing by fish farmers in the Southern highlands of Tanzania
(Emerald, 2020) Dulle, F. W.; Lamtane, H.; Benard, R.
Purpose – This paper aims to examine the challenges facing fish farmers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in information sharing on fish farming. Design/methodology/approach – This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. It involved 240 fish farmers who were randomly selected. Questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), observation and key informant’s interviews were used as methods of data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings – It was found that the most frequently used ICTs by fish farmers in sharing agricultural information were mobile phones, radio and television. Also, the study revealed that major challenges facing fish farmers in sharing information include unfavourable radio or television broadcasting time, high cost of acquiring and maintenance of ICT facilities, lack of training on ICT, poor network connectivity and low level of literacy. Moreover, it was further found that there was negative significant relationship (P < 0.05) between challenges associated with the use and degree of ICT usage by fish farmers. Originality/value – The study is original with the exception of areas where citations have been made. Besides, it provides awareness and understanding of the challenges facing fish farmers in ICT usage in information sharing on fish farming, and this will enable improvement of timely provision and access to relevant information and hence improved fish farming production.
Communication channels for exchanging agricultural information among Tanzanian farmers: A meta-analysis
(SAGE, 2021) Mtega, Wulystan Pius
This study investigates how communication channels to exchange agricultural information were chosen. Specifically, it identifies the communication channels used by farmers in Tanzania and determines the factors influencing the choice of communication channels for exchanging agricultural information. The study employs a meta-analysis review methodology in identifying, evaluating and interpreting studies relevant to the topic of interest. The results indicate that radio, mobile phones, television, fellow farmers, agricultural extension agents and newspapers were the commonly used communication channels for transferring agricultural information. Moreover, the channels’ influence, availability, affordability, communication network coverage, and the resources and facilities needed to use a particular communication channel were found to influence the choice of channels. It is concluded that understanding the audience, the characteristics surrounding messages and choosing appropriate communication channels are important for enhancing access to agricultural information. It is recommended that agricultural information providers should understand the factors surrounding communication channels before disseminating agricultural information.
The extension triad approach in disseminating agricultural information to extension workers: some experiences from the Southern Highlands Dairy Development Project, Tanzania
(2000) Dulle, F.W.
The agricultural extension services in developing countries have been widely criticised for their ineffectiveness. The extension triad is considered to be an alternative and promising approach in an attempt to improve the extension services in such countries. This study investigates the information- seeking pattern of extension workers and the ways in which the Southern Highlands Dairy Development Project disseminates information to such workers, as well as the extent to which it addresses some of the common problems reported to hinder the extension services in developing countries. Out of 66 copies of a semi-structured questionnaire distributed to dairy extension supervisors and field extension workers within the Project area, 49 responses (69.7% response rate) were received. The use of personal sources, attendance at professional meetings, seminars, short courses and conferences and the reading of newspapers were found to be the three main information sources consulted by the respondents, while contact with researchers and the use of agricultural libraries were very unpopular. The Project extension services proved superior in comparison to the traditional extension services. For sustainability purposes, it is recommended that the Project, in collaboration with the Government and farmer groups, launches an alternative organisation to pursue activities run by the Project before it comes to an end.
The influence of ICT usage in sharing information on fish farming productivity in the southern highlands of Tanzania
(The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge, 2018-02) Benard, R.; Dulle, F.; Lamtane, H.
The use of ICTs in sharing information is very important in enhancing fish farming productivity among fish farmers. However, little is known on the linkage that exists between the use of ICTs and fish farming productivity in southern highlands of Tanzania. This study was conducted in three regions namely; Ruvuma, Mbeya and Iringa and involved twelve divisions purposively selected from six districts. The study involved 240 fish farmers who were randomly selected; it employed a cross section research design. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), observation and key informants interview were used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings indicate that mobile phone, radio and television were the most used ICTs tools among fish farmers for sharing agricultural information. In addition, the study revealed a higher fish farming productivity in Mbinga and Mufindi districts as compared to Iringa District. Moreover, the use of ICTs (radio, mobile phones and television) for sharing agricultural information was found to influence fish productivity. Furthermore, other factors including income, family size, use of poultry manure as pond fertilizer and pond size had a statistical significant and positive relationship with farmer’s productivity. Thus, it is recommended that the media owners and other information providers should disseminate more agricultural programmes related to fish farming practices and make sure that such information is disseminated during appropriate and convenient time for farmers.
Information needs and accessibility by fish farmers in the southern highlands of Tanzania
(2018) Benard, R.; Dulle, F. W.; Hieromin, L. A.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the information needs and accessibility for fish farmers in the Southern high lands of Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Semistructured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 240 fish farmers in six selected districts from three regions in Southern high lands of Tanzania. Focus groups and key informants’ interviews were also used to collect qualitative data from 54 fish farmers in the selected districts. Findings – Findings indicated that fish farmers highly needed information related to water treatment (management), spawning operations and fish preservation and processing. However, it was found that access to these categories of information was very low. In addition, findings indicated that age, education and income have a statistical significant and positive relationship with farmer’s information accessibility at p < 0.05. On the other hand, age, amount of fish harvested, education and farming experience had statistical significant and negative relationship with farmer’s information at p < 0.05. Originality/value – The study provides a deep understanding of information needs and accessibility for fish farmers in the in Southern high lands of Tanzania, which will be assisting in in designing focused, needbased and user-oriented information infrastructure in fish farming.

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Browsing Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection by Subject "Agricultural information"