Assessment of the Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Oil Palm Farmers in Edo State

Abstract

The research assessed the information needs and information seeking behaviours of oil palm farmers in Edo State. Specifically, it identified the information needs of oil palm farmers in Edo State; the sources of information they commonly used; and the patterns and behaviours associated with how they seek agricultural information. The research adopted the descriptive survey design. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire, and data were analysed using simple percentages and tables. The demographics showed that the farmers were fairly distributed across gender, age, and farming experience. The research findings indicated that the specific information needs for pest and disease identification and control, pricing and market information, value addition and procession of oil palm products, government policies and subsidies, soil fertility and land preparation, weather forecasts and climate-related updates, access to agricultural loans credit facilities, improved seedlings and planting techniques, and harvest and post-harvest techniques. The sources they consult to need these information needs are agricultural extension officers, and various informal sources of information. And in seeking information, the farers sought for pre-planting information, information at harvest, information when there was problem, information when there was poor yield, when there was need for high yield, and information on pest and disease control. The research concluded that the farmers are reactive rather than proactive in their information seeking; and recommended that efforts be taken to provide information on diverse topic for farmers, enhance their digital literacy skills, and be proactive in seeking information.