Information Needs, Information Sources and Information Seeking Behaviour of Agricultural Extension Workers in Osogbo Zone of Osun State, Nigeria

Authors

SOBALAJE ADEWALE JOEL A. J, Ladoke Akintola University of TechnologyFollow
Thomas Ayinla Ogunmodede, 1. Olusegun Oke Library, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.Follow
Solomon Olusegun Oyetola, Olusegun Oke Library, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.Follow
Mary Nwanne Nwokeoma, 2. Learning Resource Centre, Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State, NigeriaFollow

Date of this Version

5-13-2019

Document Type

Article

Citation

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Abstract

The study investigated information needs, information sources, and information seeking behaviour of agricultural extension workers in Osogbo zone of Osun State, Nigeria. It also focused on the factors influencing the choice of information sources and problems encountered when sourcing for information. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 54 respondents in the study area out of which 50 (98.6%) responded and were used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using percentage and tables. Findings showed that personal collections, colleagues, radio and television programmes were the most used sources of information by extension workers in the study area. Furthermore, the ability of information sources to meet the information needs and reliability of the information sources were the major factor influencing the choice of information sources. The study discovered that non-availability of relevant information and inadequate current information sources were seen as main problems confronting the extension workers. Thus, accessibility of agricultural database, the establishment of agricultural information centres, making information sources attractive, and that extension workers should liaise with agricultural research centres for acquiring more knowledge were the suggestions made for improving the information needs, sources and seeking behaviour of extension workers in the course of this study.