Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Information Seeking Patterns of Small Scale Farmers for Farming Activities in Katsina State, Nigeria
Date of this Version
Summer 11-16-2020
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Abstract
This study identified Small Scale Farmers (SSF) information seeking patterns used and types of crops produced for effective farming activities. Three research questions and one hypothesis were developed to guide the study. Cross sectional survey design was adopted in which a total of seven hundred (700) registered small scale farmers’ cooperative associations from three agricultural zones of Katsina state formed the population. A total number of two hundred and eighty (280) respondents were randomly sampled using cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in which the null hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The findings of the study revealed that the information seeking patterns used by SSF is through asking questions, verbal conversations and collaborations then followed by chatting and referral. The findings revealed that more than seventy percent (70%) of the farmers engaged in different types of farming activities that includes rain-fed farming, livestock farming, and irrigation farming activities. The findings revealed the highest crops produced by the small holder farmers are; beans, millet, maize and sorghum.. The study recommends that government and farmers’ cooperative associations should create discussion forums at local government and ward levels to attend to small holder farmers when seeking information for successful farming activities.