AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL MARKET

INFORMATION BY SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN BABATI DISTRICT

RICHARD CHRISPINE MFINANGA

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF LIBRARY AND
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (MLIM) OF THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF
TANZANIA

2021

i
 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned certifies that she has read and hereby recommends for acceptance by The
Open University of Tanzania a Dissertation entitled: “Availability and Accessibility of
Agricultural Market Information by Small Scale Farmers in Babati District” in partial
fulfillment of the requirements of the award of Master’s Degree in Library and Information
Management of The Open University of Tanzania.

____________________________

Signature

_________________________________

Supervisor

________________________

Date

ii
 COPYRIGHT

This Dissertation is my copyright. No part of this work may be produced, stored in any
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission
of the author or The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) in that behalf.

iii
 DECLARATION

I, RICHARD CHRISPINE MFINANGA, certify that this Research Dissertation is my own

original work, and that it has not been submitted for a similar degree in any other University.

_____________________

Richard Chrispine Mfinanga

Date: ___________________

iv
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this Dissertation to God and the people in my life. My wife, Haika S. Kinyongo, for
her love, support and belief that I could make it, challenges me to steadily work hard. Thank
you and God grant us many joyous years together. My children Loreen and Lisa for your love,
understanding, sacrifice and many questions encouraging me to stay focused.

My mother, Magreth J. Mfinanga for helping me to dare to steadily dream big and believe in a
great God. I treasured your prayers, blessings and encouragement throughout my academic life.
To God, for counting it worthy that I accomplish this work. May all glory and honor be unto
Him.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am very thankful to God for enabling me to carry out this research successfully. “Many hands
make light work”. Just like the proverb many people have given their time and contribution
towards the completion of this work. Without their support it would have been impossible to
accomplish this dissertation. I would therefore, like to take this opportunity to pass my sincere
thanks to all those who in one way or another contributed to the successful completion of this
work.

Firstly, I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Lilian D. Isowe for her encouragement and
support throughout the course of this dissertation. Her patience, advice and guidance greatly
helped me to accomplish my study. To her I say thank you very much and God bless her
abundantly.

Secondly, I am thankful to my employer and the management of The Open University of

Tanzania for granting me 50% fee waiver without which my studies could not have been
completed.

Thirdly, I would also like to thank the Babati District Executive Director, extension officers
and all respondents who participated in this study, I am truly grateful, for without their
participation, this study would not have been possible.

Last but not least, My special thanks goes to my loving wife, Haika S. Kinyongo and our
children Loreen and Lisa for the patience, love, understanding and support they accorded me
during the entire time of this study. May God grant each one of you the desire of your heart for
you stood and believed in me against many odds enabling me to accomplish so much.

Finally, my acknowledgement goes to my fellow MLIM students for their encouragement and
support throughout my studies. Since it is not possible to mention every person who
participated to the success of this work using this limited space, I would like to thank all other
people who are not listed above but in one way or another enabled the success of this study, to
all of them I say thank you very much and almighty God bless you abundantly.
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 ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to assess the availability and accessibility of agricultural market
information by small scale farmers in Babati District. The objectives of the study were; To
establish information sources, channels and technologies used by small scale farmers to
access agricultural market information, to determine the types of agricultural market
information accessed by small scale farmers in Babati District and to identify challenges
small scale farmers experience in accessing agricultural market information and suggesting
ways to improve access to agricultural market information to small scale farmers. The study
adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches, using a survey research approach.
Combinations of stratified and purposive sampling techniques were employed to obtain 353
small scale farmers and 31 extension officers. The study data was collected using
questionnaire method which was supplemented by interview guide and observation
instrument. Data collected from the study was analyzed based on the objectives and research
questions and presented in tables and charts. The study findings revealed that small scale
farmers need various types of information such as extension services, product quality, market
price, market trends, sales seasons, planting seasons, agricultural technologies and others; the
main sources of information that was found to be used by small scale farmers to access
information are friends, radios, family members, extension officers and other/fellow farmers.
It was also revealed that small scale farmers are faced with the following challenges; limited
awareness, inadequate information materials, irrelevant information materials, information
costs, language barrier, inadequate fund, time limit, unreliable power supply and lack of
technological skills. The study therefore recommended the following to improve the
situation; increase a number of extension officers, establishment of information centres,
improvement of ICT infrastructures, raise farmers awareness, farmers education
programs/trainings, information repackaging, proximity of extension services, modern
mobile ownership , formulation of farmers’ organizations and instilling reading habits to
farmers.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATION ii

COPYRIGHT iii

DECLARATION iv

DEDICATION v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi

ABSTRACT vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS viii

LIST OF ABREVIATION AND ACRONYMS xiii

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background of the study.....................................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of the Problem....................................................................................................2

1.3 Objective of the Study.........................................................................................................4

1.3.1 Specific Objectives.......................................................................................................4

1.4 Research Questions.............................................................................................................5

1.5 Significance of the Study....................................................................................................5

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the study 5

1.6.1 Scope of the study............................................................................................................6

1.6.2 Limitation of the study.....................................................................................................6

viii
1.7 Definitions of Key Terms 6

1.7.1 Information.......................................................................................................................6

1.7.2 Accessibility.....................................................................................................................7

1.7.3 Small Scale Farming........................................................................................................7

1.7.4 Market information..........................................................................................................7

1.7.5 Smallholder farmer..........................................................................................................8

1.7.6 Market access...................................................................................................................8

1.7.8 Household........................................................................................................................8

1.7.9 Chapter Summary............................................................................................................8

CHAPTER TWO 10

LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................10

2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................10

2.2 Conceptual Framework.....................................................................................................10

2.3 Small Scale farming in Developing Countries..................................................................12

2.4 Information Needs of Small Scale Farmers and Availability of Agricultural Information
in Developing Countries/African Countries...........................................................................13

2.5 Sources, Channels and Technologies used by Small Scale Farmers to Access Market
Information..............................................................................................................................15

2.6 Challenges faced by Small Scale Farmers in accessing market information....................17

2.7 Research Gap....................................................................................................................19

2.8 Chapter Summary.............................................................................................................20

CHAPTER THREE 22

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY............................................................................................22

3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................22
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 3.2 Research Design................................................................................................................22

3.3 Area of the Study..............................................................................................................24

3.4 Population of the Study.....................................................................................................25

3.5 Sample Size.......................................................................................................................26

3.6 Sampling Techniques........................................................................................................26

3.7 Data Collection Methods and instruments........................................................................28

3.7.1 Primary Data...............................................................................................................28

3.7.2 Questionnaire..............................................................................................................28

3.7.3 Interview.....................................................................................................................30

3.7.4 Observation................................................................................................................31

3.8 Secondary Data.................................................................................................................31

3.9 Ethical Issues.....................................................................................................................32

3.9.1 Data Cleaning.............................................................................................................32

3.10 Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation...................................................................32

3.11 Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................33

CHAPTER FOUR 35

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 35

4.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................35

4.2 Response Rate...................................................................................................................35

4.3 Demographic Analysis of Respondents............................................................................35

4.3.1 Respondents Age Range.............................................................................................36

4.3.2 Respondents Gender...................................................................................................37

4.3.4 Crops Produced by Respondents....................................................................................40

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 4.4 Sources, Channels and Technologies Used by Small Scale Farmers to Access Market
Information..............................................................................................................................42

4.4.1 Availability and Access to Agricultural Market Information........................................42

4.4.1 Types of Agricultural Market Information Accessed by Small Scale Farmers.........44

4.4.2 Sources/Channels of Agricultural Market Information..............................................47

4.4.3 Products Selling Points...............................................................................................50

4.4 Challenges small scale farmers experience in accessing market information and
suggested ways for improving................................................................................................52

4.5 Suggested Measures to Address the Challenges...............................................................55

4.6 Chapter Summary.............................................................................................................56

CHAPTER FIVE 58

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................58

5.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................58

5.2 Summary of the Major Findings.......................................................................................58

5.2.2 Availability and Access to Agricultural Market Information....................................58

5.2.3 Types of Agricultural Market Information Accessed by Small Scale Farmers.........59

5.2.4 Sources/Channels of Agricultural Market Information..............................................59

5.2.5 Product Selling Points................................................................................................60

5.2.6 Challenges Faced by Small Scale Farmers in Accessing Agricultural Market

Information..........................................................................................................................61

5.3 Conclusion........................................................................................................................62

5.4 Recommendations.............................................................................................................63

5.4.1 Recommendation to the Government.........................................................................63

5.4.2 Recommendations to Extension Officers...................................................................64

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 5.4.3 Recommendations to Small Scale Farmers................................................................66

5.5 Areas for Further Research...............................................................................................68

REFERENCES 69

APPENDIX A77

APPENDIX B 84

APPENDEX C 99

APPENDIX D101

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 LIST OF ABREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AMIS Agricultural Management Information System

DED District Executive Director

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

GDP Gross Domestic Product

ICT Information and Communication Technology

IT Information Technology

MLIM Master’s in Library and Information Management

NGOs Non-Government Organizations

OUT The Open University of Tanzania

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences

TLSB Tanzania Library Service Board

TV Television

xiii
 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

The provision of basic agricultural market information is a service that aims to increase

the efficiency of agricultural markets and contribute towards overcoming issues of

market failure based on asymmetric access to basic market information (Ferris, Engoru

and Kanganzi, 2006). Magesa (2018) noted that availability and accessibility of

agricultural market information is very crucial especially for small-scale farmers living

in remote rural areas. Through search process, farmers can learn the weather condition

which is important in their agricultural activities, best practices in farming, management

of plant pests and diseases and market information. Usually farmers search for the same

information season after season. But, farmers rarely find it easy to obtain answers to

their searches, even if similar ones arise season after season. Sometimes farmers need to

be aware of the changing weather patterns and soil conditions, and even the occurrences

of epidemics of pests and diseases. Availability of such information can greatly benefit

farmers. Collecting and disseminating such information can be challenging, however,

because of the highly localized nature of agriculture means that information must be

tailored specifically to intended recipients.

This chapter presents the background to the problem, statement of the problem, purpose

and research objectives, research questions, significance of the study, limitation of the

study and definition of key terms.

1
1.2 Background of the study

Agriculture is an important activity to any society. The sector plays a major role in

terms of poverty alleviation, food security and economic growth. Majority of people in

the world depend on agriculture with approximately 1.5 billion people being engaged in

smallholder agriculture, whereby in Africa about 70% of the population lives in the

rural areas and depends on the agriculture sector for their livelihood (Aku, 2017).

Shepherd (1995) argued that, efficient agricultural market information provision can be

shown to have positive benefits for farmers, traders and policymakers. Up to date

agricultural market information enables farmers to negotiate with traders from a

position of greater strength. It also facilitates spatial distribution of products from rural

areas to towns and between markets. Well analyzed agricultural market information

enables small scale farmers to make planting decisions, whereas correct decision

making and planning depend on reliable information on variable market condition,

which are expressed by changing market prices.

Magesa, Michael and Ko (2014) noted that, due to lack of agricultural market

information such as price of produce at the market, quality and quantity of produces

required at the market, rural farmers negotiate on the prices of their produce based on

the information provided by traders. These factors significantly reduce the bargaining

power of rural farmers. Morisset (2013) argued that, helping small scale farmers

appreciate the need to sell what they produce cannot be done by training the individual

farmers; they may not retain anything they are trained on and at times see it as a

distraction from their productive work. Efforts seeking to make small scale farmers do

2
business needs to define the product or commodity and matching it with any demand

gaps that consumer markets may be facing.

Kamau, (2013) argued that, it is no doubt that many Africans specifically Tanzanians do

not deliver their produces to the market. The observation that agricultural produce by

the traditional small scale producers do not end in the market is indeed true. Kamau

(2013) also stated that the fact that production is a result of what good Lord above has

given rather than what is planned and planted, means that the Lord will similarly help

identifying ways of using the resources. Rural smallholder farmers do not have any

knowledge other than predicting when the rains fall and then planting to get a good

harvest. Once the harvest comes, that’s when the challenge comes as small scale

farmers in rural areas do not know how to deliver their products to the consumers or

market (Kamau, 2013).

Makawia (2018) revealed that, there is little understanding about agricultural

information needs by small scale farmers and also stated that small scale farmers are

usually given information without need assessment and identification, however, various

studies have been conducted on agricultural market information needs and accessibility

of market information for improving production of different crops among small scale

farmers.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

According to the study conducted in Rungwe district, small scale farmers who have

access to agricultural markets information resulted in producing large quantities of

crops and were engaged in production of crops that are in great demand (Mwakaje,
3
2010). The results also show that people who access agricultural market information

sold a lot more and received relatively better prices, which has a positive impact on

poverty alleviation.

Small scale farmers in Tanzania and in other developing countries have always to make

decisions on three important issues when selling and marketing their farm products.

According to Shepherd (2011), farmers should make decision on what to plant, when to

plant and where to sell their products. Knowledge on what to plant is associated with

the products that are highly demanded in the markets and thus give assurance of

availability of consumers. When to plant is associated with the knowledge of the best

time to plant for maximum harvest, depending on the climate of a given area.

Knowledge of where to sell is related to availability of markets for specified farm

produce. Thus, making selling decision requires an individual farmer to have

knowledge on the markets and market actors (Mwakaje, 2010). Shepherd (2011)

stressed that in this era of market oriented economy, small scale farmers should make

individual decisions about what, when and how to market the products. Thus, access to

agricultural market information is important when small scale farmers should make

decision in agricultural marketing activities.

According to Magesa (2017) a good number of literatures are supporting the benefits of

accessing agricultural market information to small scale farmers. But up to recently

literature are yet to assess the real benefits or gain of availability and accessibility of

such information to small scale farmers. Literatures are yet to report the real impact of

providing agricultural market information to farmers and the reaction of farmer to such

service. Availability and accessibility of agricultural market information by small scale

4
farmers signal its usefulness but does not ensure its sustainability. It is also not clear

whether the agricultural market information received help to link small scale farmers to

markets.

Based on studies conducted in Tanzania, there are different findings on the

availability and accessibility of agricultural marketing information to small scale

farmers. This study was conducted with the aims to fill this gap by assessing the

availability and accessibility of agricultural market information to small scale

farmers with specific references to Babati District.

1.4 Objective of the Study

The overall objective of this study was to assess the availability and accessibility of

agricultural market information by small scale farmers.

1.4.1 Specific Objectives

1. To establish information sources, channels and technologies used by small

scale farmers to access agricultural market information in Babati District.

2. To determine types of agricultural market information available and accessed

by small scale farmers in Babati District.

3. To identify challenges small scale farmers experience in accessing

agricultural market information in Babati District.

5
1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the information sources, channels and technologies used by small scale

farmers to access agricultural market information in Babati District?

2. What are the types of agricultural market information available and accessed by

small scale farmers in Babati District?

3. What are the challenges small scale farmers’ experiences in accessing

agricultural market information in Babati District?

1.6 Significance of the Study

As pointed out earlier, availability and accessibility of agricultural market information

is key to small scale farmers. Therefore, findings of this study will assist small scale

farmers in sharing agricultural market information on issues related to availability and

accessibility of information. Findings of this study will also inform decision makers on

what should be done to promote availability and accessibility of agricultural market

information. The findings of this study will contribute to an understanding and

knowledge on accessibility of agricultural market information by small scale farmers in

Tanzania. Such knowledge is also intended to build up other researcher’s interest in the

research subject (create the basis for other studies). Finally the findings of this study

will contribute to the existing body of literature on the subject.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the study

6
1.7.1 Scope of the study

The study focused on availability and accessibility of agricultural market information

by small scale farmers in Babati District. It was limited to small scale farmers by

assessing information sources, channels and technology used by small scale farmers to

access agricultural market information, determined types of agricultural market

information accessed by small scale farmers and challenges small scale farmers

experience in accessing agricultural market information. The study was done in Babati

District and small scale farmers and extension officers were included as respondents of

the study.

1.7.2 Limitations of the study

Since the study focused on small scale farmers and in nature farmers are scattered and

getting them to complete questionnaires and interview was a problem, researcher found

a better way to communicate with small scale farmers such as visiting them during

harvest session and during the auction days.

1.8 Definitions of Key Terms

1.8.1 Information

According to Evans (1997) information is a sensible statement, fact, concept, idea, or an

association of statements, opinions or ideas. It is easily associated with knowledge in

the sense that once information has been assimilated and understood, it becomes

knowledge. With reference to this study information is associated with market concept,

facts or ideas that are available and accessible to small scale farmers.

7
1.8.2 Availability

In the context of this study availability refers to the facts or possibilities that small scale

farmers can buy, get, or have agricultural market information.

1.8.3 Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the ability to both acquire and effectively use a particular item or

participate in a specific activity (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2001). In the

context of this study accessibility is the opportunity to access, locate and receive

information concerning to agricultural market information.

1.8.4 Small Scale Farming

According to SANGONeT (2016) Small scale farming refers to the production of crops

and livestock on a small piece of land without using advanced and expensive

technologies.

1.8.5 Market information

Law Insider (2020) defines market information as written, printed, audio-corporation or

an organized group of persons whether incorporated visual or graphic information,

including advertising, pamphlets or not corporative or other entities such as flyers,

catalogues, posters and signs that are used to assist in promotion of small scale farmers’

products. According to Shepherd (1995) market information is regarded as a public

good, particularly where there are numerous small scale farmers who are unable to pay

for information. He also noted that, the availability of timely and accurate information

8
to all interested parties is therefore essential, whether it be provided by the government

itself or by the private sector.

1.8.6 Small Scale Farmer

Refers to a farmer owning small based plots of land (5 acres and below) on which they

grow subsistence crops (Aku, 2017).

1.8.7 Market access

Is the concept that describes the sum total of all skills acquired through experience or

training that enable a farmer to participate by selling and maintaining regular customers

to his/her produce (Aku, 2017).

1.9 Organization of the Dissertation

Chapter one presents the introduction and background information, containing the

statement of the problem, general objective of the study, specific objectives, research

questions, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study as well as

definition of the key terms used in the study. Chapter two described literature review

and relevant research related with the problem including empirical review, overview of

small scale farming in developing countries, Research gap and motivation for the study

and conceptual frame work. Chapter three explains methodology and procedures that

were used to conduct the study and data analysis. Chapter four is data presentation,

analysis and discussion and chapter five is the summarized study findings, conclusions,

recommendations and areas for future research.

9
CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The study assessed the availability and accessibility of agricultural market information

by small scale farmers in Babati District. In this chapter, the study reviewed literatures

that relates to availability and accessibility of agricultural market information as

articulated by various scholars based on the objectives of this study. This chapter

focused on conceptual framework, small scale farming in developing countries,

information needs of small scale farmers and availability of agricultural market

information in developing countries, sources, channels and technologies used by small

scale farmers to access agricultural market information, challenges faced by small scale

farmers in accessing market information and research gap.

2.2 Conceptual Framework

Elly (2014) argued that agricultural market information is expected to facilitate market

access and better prices to agricultural products through creating transparency and

increasing negotiation capacities of small scale farmers and traders and hence increasing

farmer’s income. In this study it is expected that access to agricultural market

information has an impact in increasing the volume produced and prices at which small

scale farmers sell their products, hence increasing the income of farmers.

A conceptual framework represented researcher’s synthesis of the literature on how to

explain a phenomenon. It maps out the actions required in the course of the study, given

10
the previous knowledge of other researchers’ point of view and observations on the

subject of research (Regoniel, 2015). With regard to this study, the conceptual

framework was used to understand how variables connected to each other and also

identified independent and dependent variables required for the study. The independent

variables studied in this study included sources of information, channels and

technologies used by small scale farmers to access agricultural market information,

types of market information accessed by small scale farmers and the dependent variable

was access to information where the challenges faced by small scale farmers in

accessing agricultural market information were identified as the moderation/mediating

variables. These research variables and relationships were translated into a visual

picture to demonstrate the interconnections between independent and dependent

variables. Figure 2.1 below represents the conceptual relationship between accessibility

of agricultural market information by small scale farmers.

11
 Independent Variables Moderating Variables Dependent Variables

-Limited awareness

-Inadequate information
Awareness on the materials
availability of agricultural
market information Unreliable power supply

-Inadequate fund

-Lack of technological
skills

-Language barrier
Accessibility to
-Time limit agricultural
-Sources
market
-Irrelevant information
-Channels information
materials
-Types -Information costs
-Technology

Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework of Farmers Market Information Needs

Source: Researcher (2021)

2.3 Small Scale farming in Developing Countries

In many developing countries small scale farming is one of core functions of many

people especially in the rural areas. Small scale farming is one of major sources of food

security for the rural people. The majority of rural population can be considered as

small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are marginalized and are vulnerable to climatic

uncertainty and global economic shocks due to the fact that, they are practicing

traditional farming which depends on rainfall and traditional watering (Mongela, 2015).

12
However, Kristen and Sartrius (2002) observed that efforts to develop the agricultural

sector in developing countries are now taking place against the background of major

structural change in the world agricultural industry. In many developed countries,

agricultural production is changing from an industry dominated by family-based, small

scale farms or firms to one of large firms that are more tightly aligned across the

production and distribution value chain. Makawia (2018) noted that the trend of market

oriented reforms, following multilateral trade liberalization and especially structural

adjustment programs in developing countries has led to the increased integration of

world market. This has meant that farmers in the developing world are now more than

ever linked to consumers and corporations of the rich nations. Although most of the

changes in agricultural and food markets are taking place in developed countries, they

have far-reaching implications for agricultural development efforts in developing

countries (Kirsten and Sartorius 2002).

FAO (2017) noted that, food crisis of 2007/08 clearly indicated an urgent need to

improve the agricultural market information system for price data collection and

dissemination. Agricultural Market information can play an extremely important role in

promoting agricultural development, especially for small scale producers, agricultural

market information can help to enhance transparency, competitiveness and the more

equitable sharing of benefits among key players in marketing system as well as it can

make a significant contribution towards improving food security by enabling the

identification of price trends that may signal emerging food problems (Makawia, 2018).

13
2.4 Information Needs of Small Scale Farmers and Availability of Agricultural

Market Information

Information needs represent gaps in the current knowledge of the users. Information

needs is thus a factor that may drive small scale farmers to seek agricultural market

information to fill the gaps in their information and knowledge (Benard, Dulle and

Ngalapa, 2014). The availability of relevant and timely information is vital in effective

decision making for personal, social and work-related development. Similarly, relevant

and timely information makes one well informed and able to take practical and genuine

actions in solving socio-economic problems (Fidelis, 2019).

Makawia, (2018) noted that small scale farmers in developing countries need different

types of agricultural market information from farm preparation to post-harvest and

marketing to make informed decisions. Magesa (2018) revealed that small scale farmers

in developing countries need agricultural information such as agricultural inputs,

agricultural technology, agricultural credits, agricultural marketing, day to day market

trend and price of different variety of crops to improve their farming practices and

hence to improve their productivity and also to be informed of modern farming systems

in order to meet up with challenges that may arise in their farming activities.

The study from Benard, Dulle and Ngalapa (2014) showed that the information needs

for small scale farmers differ and range from how and where to purchase agricultural

equipments, information on improved seed varieties, information on marketing, loans or

credits, weather condition, irrigation and information on soil fertility. Small scale

farmers also need information on pests and disease management, pesticides and

14
fertilizers application, best time to plant, planting methods, storage facilities and seed

treatment.

2.5 Sources, Channels and Technologies used by Small Scale Farmers to Access

Market Information

Magesa (2014) argued that, small scale farmers depend on radio and mobile phone

technologies for accessing and disseminating agricultural information as they have little

access to newspapers and televisions. Channels such as radio, Television and mobile

phones are used to speed up circulation of agricultural market information among small

scale farmers. These channels are powerful for farmers to access vast amount of

agricultural market information. Radio, television, internet and mobile phones are

effective agricultural market information channels which provide potential up to date

and timely market information to small scale farmers for decision making (Langat,

Litondo and Ntale, 2016).

Aku (2017) explained that, access to agricultural market information enhances the

performance of the market actors whereby small scale farmers can access agricultural

market information through various channels such as television, farmers’ organizations,

NGOs, extension officers, friends/relatives, traders/buyers, radio, mobile phones and

fellow/other farmers.

Benard, Dulle and Ngalapa (2014) revealed that, fellow farmers, neighbors,

newspapers, journals, bulletins, community leaders, farmers’ groups, personal

experience, workshops and seminars, trainings, friends, extension officers, ministry of

15
Agriculture, NGOs and libraries of agriculture to access are the main sources of

information used by small scale farmers in accessing agricultural market information.

According to Magesa, Michael and Ko, (2020) the current situation of disseminating

agricultural market information indicates that, small scale farmers while selling their

crops they normally use middlemen to provide linkage between farmers, markets and

buyers. Middlemen have good knowledge of working condition, of the markets and

have access to agricultural market information. Aku (2017) explained that due to poor

access to agricultural market information by small scale farmers, there is a feeling that

middlemen benefit more while small scale farmers sell their crops. Good access to

agricultural market information may help small scale farmers bypass middlemen while

selling their crops and thus benefit more (Magesa, Michael and Ko, 2020).

2.6 Challenges faced by Small Scale Farmers in Accessing Market Information

There are several challenges which have been identified by small scale famers in

accessing agricultural market information. Bernard, Dulle and Ngalapa (2014) noted

that small scale farmers are inhibited to access agricultural market information due to

outdated information, language barrier, lack of awareness of existence of different

agricultural information sources, lack of funds to acquire agricultural information,

incomplete or irrelevant information, lack of cooperation from fellow farmers in sharing

information, limited numbers of radios and television, low literacy level of small scale

famers as well as inadequate number of personnel trained on agricultural market

information. Aku (2017) revealed that, limited agricultural market information and

market access are two major obstacles to small scale farmers in Tanzania. Baloyi (2010)

16
argues that, small scale farmers have little information about the market demand, which

is costly to obtain. They may gather information through contact with other actors in the

commodity chain, but the accuracy of this information is not certified, since those actors

might be exhibiting opportunistic behavior. Baloyi (2010) also noted that, small scale

farmers lack information about product prices, at the local level, about quality

requirements, about the best places and times to sell their products, and about potential

buyers. This in turn reduces their ability to trade their products efficiently and to derive

the full benefit from the marketable part of their production.

Lwoga, Ngulube and Stilwell (2010) noted that, unavailability of extension officers is

the major problem that hinders small scale farmers from obtaining agricultural market

information, also lack of awareness of information sources and distant location for

consultations with public extension officers and the markets are too far for them to get

reliable information on markets. Mburu and Massimo (2005) explained that, Small scale

Farmers lack knowledge and accessibility to basic market elements that include

advertising, personal selling, publicity/public relations and sales promotion, small scale

farmers rarely use promotional tools such as advertising, shows and exhibitions either

because they are not readily available or are unaffordable. Mburu and Massimo (2005)

also noted that, information needs have been identified as one of the major constraints

small scale farmers are facing whereby it indicates that lack of marketing information

for the agricultural sector continues to pose problems. Langat, Litondo and Ntale (2016)

observed that, the major setback that small scale farmers face in accessing agricultural

market information is limited knowledge in ICT and therefore access to information for

their agricultural opportunities is limited.

17
Langat, Litondo and Ntale (2010) noted that, searching for agricultural market

information may include monetary costs, and the opportunity cost of the time taken up

in searching. The monetary costs are not under small scale farmer’s control and all

he/she can do is to choose whether or not to incur the costs, for instance, it is costly to

pay for mobile phone airtime to make a phone call or to access the internet to get

agricultural market information. Magesa (2018) argued that poor service providers’

network may lead to lack of connectivity to most ICT channels like mobile phones, TVs

and radios, also most of these channels require electricity or alternative sources of

energy which may not be available in the area where small scale farmers live. The

language of communication in each particular channel could prove a barrier to most

small scale farmers to access agricultural market information (Langat, Litondo and

Ntale 2010).

Makawia (2018) reported that, problems facing small scale farmers in accessing

agricultural market information include illiteracy, ignorance of production information

sources, language barrier, wide spread poverty, lack of time to access production

information, unreliable agricultural information, lack of reading culture and

geographical position. Also poor infrastructures, impassable roads, limited access to

telecommunication networks and poor electrification are among the challenges facing

small scale farmers in accessing agricultural market information.

2.7 Research Gap

A review of related literatures revealed that a number of studies have been conducted on

agricultural market information in Tanzania. these include those by: Elly (2014),

18
agricultural market information accessibility and contribution to economic development

of small scale farmers in Tanzania; Magesa (2018), a framework for enhancing

sustainable access and use of agricultural market information by small-scale farmers in

Tanzania; Aku (2017), influence of farmer organizations as a market information

system on market access and income of smallholder vegetable farmers in Babati

District, Tanzania. Apparently, none of these studies have investigated availability and

accessibility of agricultural market information by small scale farmers in Babati district.

Therefore, the current study was set to assess the availability and accessibility of

agricultural market information by small scale farmers in Babati District. This is the gap

this research intended to fill.

2.8 Chapter Summary

This chapter’s purpose was to review literatures done by other researchers on similar

studies on availability and accessibility of agricultural market information by small

scale farmers. The reviewed literatures were from both print and non-print sources and

showed that, there are a lot of literatures related to availability and accessibility of

agricultural market information by small scale farmers.

Therefore, reviewed literatures have revealed that small scale farmers need different

types of information such as agricultural inputs, agricultural technology, agricultural

credits, agricultural marketing, day to day market trends and prices of different types of

crops to improve their farming practices. The reviewed literatures have clearly indicated

that small scale farmers heavily access agricultural market information through

television, radios, friends, neighbors, famers’ organizations, relatives, extension officers

19
and family members. In order to utilize the existing body of agricultural market

information there is a need to develop a formal agricultural market information channels

such as information systems to enhance availability and accessibility to agricultural

market information and small scale farmers need to acquire information literacy

training.

Outdated information, language barrier, lack of awareness of existence of different

agricultural information sources, lack of funds to acquire agricultural information,

incomplete or irrelevant information were identified as major challenges small scale

farmers experience in accessing agricultural market information. Similarly, lack of

cooperation from fellow farmers in sharing information, limited numbers of radios and

television, low literacy level of small scale famers as well as inadequate number of

personnel trained on agricultural market information were also cited as major

challenges to small scale farmers.

20
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Research methodology refers to a systematic way of solving a research problem

(Kothari, 2004). Research methodology may also be defined as general road map a

researcher follow when conducting a research or also as steps and associated

mechanisms or tools applied in performing a certain research for the purpose of

generating new knowledge or acquiring an understanding of a certain phenomenon

(Kumar ,2011). This chapter describes the research design, area of the study, population

of the study, sample size, sampling techniques, data collection methods, instruments,

data processing and analysis and ethical issues.

3.2 Research Design

Krishnaswami (2005) defined research design as a logical and systematic plan for

directing a research study. Basically, a research design is a strategy for ensuring the

study effectively addresses the problem, in line with the objectives of the study

(Saunders et al, 2007; Kumar, 2005; Kothari, 2004 and Creswell, 2003). According to

Kothari (1990) research design helps to structure collections, analysis and interpretation

of data. With regard to this study, survey design was employed to come up with

relevant and useful findings. Bhat (2020) defined survey design as a research method

used for collecting data from a pre-defined group of respondents to gain information

and insights on various topics of interest. Denscombe (2010) noted that, survey design

21
is good at getting information about a large number of people, it is suited to the

collection of mass data, works best with clear and narrow targets, deals with specific

issues and is at its best when the researcher knows in advance precisely which factors

are important and kind of information is needed. Kothari (2004) argued that, the

purpose of survey design may also be to provide scientifically gathered information to

work as a basis for the researchers for their conclusions.

In this study, a survey was carried out in an attempt to collect data from the selected

sample to determine the current status of the population. The primary advantage of

survey is that an entire population was investigated in depth and with careful attention

to detail. Also it was easy for researcher to find insights and details of the study and

thus, this is one of the reasons to availability of all needed and correct data as well as

information, and thus, detailed analysis and recommendations to such data and

information (Sreevidya, 2011). The researcher preferred a survey design as it helped in

achieving the research objectives by facilitating to obtain information that described the

existing phenomena.

3.3 Research Approach

The research approach used in this study was mixed approaches that included both

qualitative and quantitative approaches as the study had several objectives. According

to Olsen (2004) the reason for using both qualitative and quantitative approaches were

because qualitative and quantitative approaches supplemented each other, the study

was able to triangulate the empirical and constructs validation of the variables,

deepening and widening understanding of this area under investigation. According to

Mugenda and Mugenda (1999) qualitative research is advantageous in that it permits

22
research to go beyond the statistical results usually reported in quantitative while

quantitative research relied on confirming, proving or substantiating using

measurements of the variables. Therefore, using both qualitative and quantitative

approaches assisted the researcher to avoid bias.

3.3 Area of the Study

The selection of the research area has a very important role to influence the usefulness

of information produced (Kombo and Tromp, 2006). This study was conducted in

Babati District in Manyara Region. According to Free encyclopedia (2018) Babati

District has 6,069 square kilometers and according to the Tanzania national census

(2012), the population of Babati District was 312,329. The choice of the area of the

study is was also based on its proximity whereby the District was easily reached by the

researcher and provided comprehensive understanding on the issues of availability and

accessibility of agricultural market information by small scale farmers.

According to the United Republic of Tanzania National Sample Census of Agriculture

(2012) the district’s major activities include small-scale farming (food and cash crops

production and livestock keeping), and it was preferred also because it was among the

big producers of food crops in Tanzania due its fertile land as well as good seasons

accompanied with good rainfall. According to the United Republic of Tanzania

National Sample Census of Agriculture (2012) Babati District has 20,377 (32%) crop

farmers who cultivate maize, onions, sunflowers, finger millets, beans, and paddy and

also 8,866 (0.6%) livestock keepers who keep/herd cattle, chickens, goats, sheeps and

pigs. The map of the study area is shown in figure 3.1 below.

23
Figure 3.1 A Map of Babati District

Source: Research Gate (2020)

3.4 Population of the Study

Population is a group of individuals who have one or more characteristics in common

that are of interest to researcher (Kothari, 1990). For the case of this study, population

24
involved different respondents consisting the District Extension Officer, Ward

extension officers, Village extension officers and small scale farmers in Babati District.

Thus the target population is 29,361 including 29,243 small scale farmers, 1 district

extension officer, 21 ward extension officers and 96 village extension officers

3.5 Sample Size

The basic idea of sampling is this study was that, by sampling some of the elements of a

population and conclusions about the entire population were drawn. The ultimate test of

a sample design is how well it represented the characteristics of the population it

purports to (Kothari, 2004). This study included an optimum number of 384

respondents from Babati District whereby this number was further divided into sub-

groups of which 1 is District extension officer, 10 ward extension officers, 20 village

extension officers and 353 small scale farmers.

3.6 Sampling Techniques

Sampling technique is the selection of some part of an aggregate or totality on the basis

of which a judgment or inference about the aggregate to totality is made, It is the

process of obtaining information about an entire population by examining only a part of

it which was considered to give ideas of the quality of the whole population (Kothari,

1990). Sampling technique was used to determine the number of respondents who were

involved in this study to provide necessary information whereby stratified sampling

techniques was used to divide farmers into two strata which are crop growers and live

stock keepers.

25
The researcher adopted simple random techniques to small scale farmers because the

population is heterogeneous. This enabled the population to be divided into mutual sub-

population (strata). Then simple random was used in each of the strata to ensure actual

representation. The researcher also used purposive/judgmental sampling technique to

select district, ward and village extension officers. According to Saunders et al. (2007)

purposive or judgmental sampling is a type of sampling procedure which enables a

researcher to use judgments to select cases that enable one answer research questions

and to meet research objectives based on some well-known criteria. Criteria like

characteristics of a population, objective of the study and knowledge of the population

were considered.

Purposive sampling was used to select extension officers. This method was used due to

the nature of this study, which demanded collection of data from some experts or

experienced persons on agricultural market information. This method enabled the

researcher to select rich information cases from key informants. Extension officers were

included since they play vital role on provision of extension services. According to

Mwangi (2011) a sample size greater than 10,000 units should have a minimum sample

of 384. Therefore, this study had a minimum sample size of 384 respondents from

Babati District as shown in the Table 3.1 below.

Table 3.1 Distribution of the Target Population

S/N ITEM POPULATION SELECTED SAMPLE

SIZE

1. District Extension 1 1

Officers

26
2. Ward Extension Officers 21 10

3. Village Extension Officers 96 20

4. Small Scale Farmers 29,243 353

TOTAL POPULATION 29,361 384

Source: Research (2021)

3.7 Data Collection Methods

According to Kothari (2004) data collection methods are instruments which guide a

researcher in gathering data in order to obtain answers to the problem being researched.

Therefore, to obtain adequate and reliable information for this study, the researcher

adopted triangulation (combination of methods) to collect both primary and secondary

data, whereby through triangulation the researcher combined different data collection

methods such as questionnaires, interviews, observations and document review, in order

to increase validity and reliability of data collected, and because each method has its

own strength and weaknesses. Two types of data were collected, namely primary and

secondary data.

3.8 Secondary Data

According to Kothari, (2010), secondary data are data which were used by researcher

but have been collected by others. Secondary data falls under three main categories:

documentary data, survey based data and those compiled from various sources (Saund

and sett, 2003).This study included secondary data from various documents and sources

such as newspapers, commentaries, previous research reports, brochures, journals,

pamphlets, manuals and books as well as findings of other studies on availability and

27
accessibility of agricultural market information. Researcher used secondary data such as

previous research reports on availability and accessibility of agricultural market

information to small scale farmers, published government population census, and

published records on agricultural market information as well as published and

unpublished records and statistics as a method for collecting data to accomplish this

study. Use of secondary data is largely a desk review of readily available data from

other sources on availability and accessibility of agricultural market information to

small scale farmers.

Secondary data also were used in this study because published and unpublished

materials can provide significant documented information. The advantage of secondary

data is that it saves time, efforts and money and adds to the value of the research study.

Through secondary data, it was possible to refine the research objectives of the study.

3.7.1 Primary Data

Kumar (2011) defined Primary Data as information collected by a researcher from the

field, specifically for a research assignment. These are fresh data from the survey

collected by researcher through a standardized questionnaire with both close and open-

ended questions, interviews (both semi-structured and structured) and observations. The

major assumption of this study was that perceptions, feelings and opinions of the key

informants on availability and accessibility of agricultural market information is

extremely important.

Advantages of primary data include their originality and degrees of accuracy hence are

expected to be relevant to the topic of the study. Moreover, primary data provided

current situation and it provided better views to the researcher about the study under
28
consideration. Reliability of primary data is very high because these are collected by the

concerned and reliable party.

3.6 Data Collection Instruments

According to Johnson (1994), Research instrument is the means by which different

approaches to research are used to collect the necessary data. Basically the choice of

methodology depends on what the researcher wants to know, the way the problem has

been defined, the goals and circumstances of the research, as well as the nature of the

phenomena under study. Under such a situation, the researcher has to weigh the merits

and limitations of each strategy and select the methodology accordingly. In this study,

questionnaires, interviews and observation method were used.

3.7.2 Questionnaire

Questionnaire refers to a list of research or survey questions asked to respondents and

designed to extract specific information. Questionnaire helped to collect appropriate

data, made data comparable and amenable to analysis, minimized bias in formulating

and asking questions, as well as made questions engaging and valid (Business

Dictionary, 2011).

The main data collection tool was questionnaire which was preferred as it provided

relatively valid and reliable information. Therefore, data was collected using

questionnaires (See Appendix A and B). The questionnaire was appropriate to gather

data from a large sample minimizing bias and saved time where responses were within

the given time frame. The questionnaire also ensured confidentiality. According to

Debois (2019) questionnaires provided fast results, valid and reliable data, also allowed

29
respondents to freely express themselves and gave out more information which were

easily analyzed, enabled a researcher to cover a wide area within a planned period of

time for easy accomplishment and analysis of collected data. In this study, the

researcher developed semi-structured questionnaires with open and close ended

questions. The researcher prepared and distributed separate self administered and easy

to answer questionnaires to 379 selected respondents which included 353 small scale

farmers, 8 ward extension officers and 18 village extension officers. A researcher also

formulated unambiguous, clear and concise questionnaires which were translated to

Kiswahili language to ensure that they are understood by small scale farmers.

Therefore, with regard to a number and nature (education status) of respondents, the

researcher administered the questionnaires by distributing them directly to the

respondents and closely guided respondents on how to fill them and collected them on

the course of the day to avoid misplacement of questionnaire by respondents.

3.7.3 Interview

According to Baker (1994) interview is a process which consists a dialogue or verbal

responses between two or several individuals. In this study, structured and unstructured

interviews were used to collect data. The reason why this study used interview method

to collect data was because of its flexibility, whereby the researcher had a room to

repeat or refine questions when the responses indicated that respondents misunderstood

the questions, it was easy to correct questions, it overcame language barrier, developed

relationship between interviewees and interviewer, proper selection of respondents,

30
allowed respondents to express their feelings, time saving tool and it was relatively less

costly compared to questionnaires (Rashid and Bappi, 2013).

According to Seale (2004) however, the interviewer was faced with some challenges

during the interview. These included costs associated with interview which limited the

size of geographical coverage of the study, difficulties in recording during the

interview, lack of interest or disappointment from some respondents. Interview was

carried out to a very limited number of extension officers (N=5). Firstly interview was

conducted with the District extension officer (N=1), secondly with two ward extension

officers (N=2) and two village extension officers (N=2) (See Appendix C). In this

study, the researcher made appointment with respondents’ convenient day, time and

place of the interview. The researcher asked questions properly and took notes

accurately from the field and also created a friendly environment of trust and

confidence by introducing the subject clearly to the respondents so that they feel

comfortable while discussing with the researcher.

3.7.4 Observation

Observation is a data collection method that entails listening and watching other

peoples’ behavior in a way that allowed some type of learning and interpretation

(Ghauri, 2005). During data collection period a researcher made numerous visits to the

study area and created the opportunity for informal discussion with a number of small

scale farmers and extension officers. This provided a researcher with relevant

information on availability and accessibility of agricultural market information, thus

proving additional sources of information to complement questionnaire and interview

31
data. The observation schedule/checklist (See Appendix D) established how small scale

farmers used different sources to access information, availability of agricultural market

information, channels and technologies used by small scale farmers to access

agricultural market information and types as well as their accessibility and areas to

access agricultural market information. A summary of the informal discussion and

observations was recorded in a diary as part of the study notes.

3.9 Ethical Consideration

According to Creswell (2009), researchers need to protect the participants, gain trust

with respondents; support the reliability of research, guard against offense that might

reflect on their institution or organizations. Researcher considered ethical issues by

informing respondents the purpose of this study and assuring them privacy, anonymity

and confidentiality as well as kept them aware that the findings of this study were only

for academic purpose.

Department of postgraduate Research and publication issued a letter to ask permission

from the District Executive Director (DED) in order to allow the researcher to collect

data. In compliance with these requirements, respondents were assured of their

anonymity, in that names and other personal details were not linked with specific

responses given. For this study, respondents were also guaranteed of their

confidentiality, the information provided was only meant for the intended academic

exercise. The Open University of Tanzania code of ethics was duly adhered to.

32
3.9.1 Data Cleaning

Data was cleaned before being used in order to ensure their reliability and validity. Data

was cleaned to identify the missing information, removing duplication, detecting entry

errors and checking for consistencies.

3.10 Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation

Data processing involves converting data into information. Respondents give their

views and opinions as data, thereafter raw data is processed as input to produce

information that can be understood by readers. The process of accomplishing

conversion of data to useful information is called data processing (Gupta, 2010).

Data analysis was guided by research objectives whereby qualitative and quantitative

methods of data analysis were used to analyze collected data. The quantitative data

collected from the study were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences

(SPSS) and Excel packages while thematic analysis was done for qualitative data.

The information that was collected from interviews was transcribed into prose along

thematic lines. It was tested for completeness and relevance against the predetermined

research questions before being put down in prose. Data was primarily presented in

frequency tables, charts, graphs, figures and percentages and elucidated in prose. These

instruments helped to bring out comparison between the various pieces of data collected

during the study. This made it easier for the researcher to draw inference that aided to

develop the findings, discussion, conclusion and recommendations which are presented

in chapters four and five of this study.

33
3.11 Chapter Summary

The chapter presented and discussed about research methodology which included

research design, data collection instruments and procedures, sampling techniques and

methods of data analysis. Questionnaire consisted of both open and closed questions

resulting in both qualitative and quantitative data used to conduct this study.

The chapter also discussed qualitative and quantitative research approaches as well as

data collection tools and techniques and the main data collection tool for this research

study was questionnaire which was complemented by interviews and observations. The

qualitative data was based on objectives and research questions and quantitative data

analysis using descriptive methods were adopted in the study. Finally, a number of

ethical issues adhered to by the researcher during the research process are highlighted.

34
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presented the main findings of the study whose main thrust were to

establish information sources, channels and technologies used by small scale farmers

to access agricultural market information in Babati District, to determine the types of

market information available and accessed by small scale farmers in Babati District

and to identify challenges small scale farmers experience in accessing agricultural

market information in Babati District. The chapter contains analysis of data as

collected using various methodologies highlighted in chapter three. With regard to the

descriptive data, the results from questionnaires are presented first and followed by

results from interviews and observations.

4.2 Response Rate

The study targeted small scale farmers and extension officers. A total of three hundred

and seventy questionnaires were received from respondents which was 96% of the

target. Five targeted extension officers (100%) were interviewed.

4.3 Demographic Analysis of Respondents

It was very important to gather information on the age, sex and education level of

respondents. This information is included in this study to facilitate getting more

detailed information on the availability and accessibility of agricultural market

35
 information to small scale farmers. Demographic data allowed researcher to describe

the characteristics of a study’s respondents. The demographics data of the respondents

include age, gender and education. These are presented as follows:

4.3.1 Respondents Age Range

Table 4.1 Distribution of Respondents by Age (N=370)

Age Range (Years) Frequency Percentage (%)

18-24 32 9

25-34 103 28

35-44 206 56

45 and above 29 8

Total 370 100

Source: Research Data (2021)

From table 4.1 above, the largest portion of the respondents falls under the age range of

35-44 years which is 206 (56%). The second highest portion was that of respondents in

the age range of 25-34 which is 103 (28%) and the least number of respondents was that

of age range of 45 and above which is 29 (8%). This implies that most of small scale

farmers in Babati District are at the age range of 35-44 which shows that majority of

respondents fall under a group of working, active and energetic age who have the ability

to supply required labor for agricultural activities. According to Mmbando (2014) age is

36
expected to have positive association with participation in agricultural market

information accessibility.

In addition, active age group would mostly be willing to spend more time obtaining

agricultural market information on updated and improved technologies compared to

older farmers.

4.3.2 Respondents Gender

Table 4.2 Respondents Gender (N=370)

Gender Frequency Percent (%)

Male 256 69

Female 114 31

Total 370 100

Source: Research Data (2021)

Table 4.2 represents gender distribution of the study population, which contained 256

(69%) males and 114 (31%) female. The findings imply that, farming in the study area

is dominated by male farmers. Macha and Mdoe (2002) reported that, there is a

tendency of male members in most families engaging themselves in agricultural

production rather than female members. Magesa (2018) revealed that, in a family men

are the heads and in most cases decide activities that are undertaken by family members.

In this regard, men may dictate access to markets by others, especially women. This is

in the culture of many tribes in developing countries including Tanzania. The study
37
findings show that in most families men are engaged in agricultural production hence

are the ones who are seeking and accessing agricultural market information while

women are primarily responsible for supply of food in their families.

4.3.3 Table 4.3 Respondents Level of Education (N=370)

Respondents’ levels of education also were assessed and the results are shown in table

4.3 below

Education Level Frequency Percent (%)

Degree 7 2

Diploma 20 5

Certificate 43 12

Form Six 20 5

Form Four 70 19

Primary 210 57

Source: Research Data (2021)

Table 4.3 above showed that, the distribution of respondents by education level that 210

(57%) of respondents have primary school education, 70 (19%) of respondents have

form four secondary school education, 43 (12%) of respondents have certificate

education and 7 (2%) of respondents have bachelor degree.

38
This revealed that, level of education can affect capability to access, comprehend and

adopt new agricultural technological innovations and practices in the process of

accessing agricultural market information. Education and training provide small scale

famers with knowledge and skills which easily helped farmers to access agricultural

market information from different information sources, and they were able to create

knowledge from those information sources which provided positive impact on their

agricultural production. Makawia (2018) noted that because of inadequate education,

small scale farmers may not be able to access agricultural market information in print,

electronic and other sources.

4.3.4 Crops/Products Produced by Respondents

The study investigated various crops and livestock produced by small scale farmers in

the study area. The findings are presented in table 4.4 below.

Table 4.4 Crops produced by Respondents (N=370)

Name of Crop Frequency Percentage (%)

Mixed (crops & Livestock) 325 88

Maize 296 80

Rice 138 37

Bananas 288 78

Beans 26 7

Source: Research Data (2021)

39
The findings in table 4.4 above, revealed that, a greater percentage 325 (88%) of small

scale farmers are heavily involved in both cultivation of crops such as maize, sunflower,

vegetables, bananas, rice, beans, and are also involved in livestock keeping where they

keep animals such as indigenous and modern cows, indigenous and breeding chickens,

pigs and goats, 296 (80%) of small scale farmers grow maize, 288 (78%) said they

cultivate bananas, 138 (37%) reported that they cultivate rice and 26 (7%) said that they

produce beans only.

Overall, majority of small scale farmers are involved in both crops cultivation and

animals keeping. This is in line with Aku (2017) who argued that small scale famers

grow different crops in Babati District ranging from maize, pigeon peas, cotton, wheat,

Irish potatoes, vegetables and Rice and Livestock keeping is an essential activity in this

predominantly agro-pastoral area.

4.4 Sources, Channels and Technologies Used by Small Scale Farmers to Access

Agricultural Market Information.

The first objective sought to examine sources, channels and technologies used by small

scale farmers to access agricultural market information. To address this objective, the

study sought to find out if agricultural market information is available to small scale

farmers and if they had access to agricultural market information and the types of

market information they need/access. The purpose of this question was to establish

whether availability and accessibility of agricultural market information has an

influence on the accessibility to markets.

40
4.4.1 Availability and Access of Agricultural Market Information

Respondents were asked to indicate if they have access to agricultural market

information. The results obtained from respondents are presented in figure 4.1 below.

Figure 4.1 Availability and Accessibility to Agricultural Market Information by

Small Scale Farmers (N-370)

Source: Research Data (2021)

From figure 4.1 above, majority of the respondents 311 (84%) stated that they have

access to agricultural market information, while 45 (12%) have no access to agricultural

market information and 15 (4%) did not have any response on the question. This shows

that majority of small scale farmers in Babati District have access to agricultural market

information. This implies that majority of small scale farmers are able to access new

41
markets information and obtain new technologies. This revealed that farmers can sell

more products at higher prices. This is in line with Magesa, Michael & Ko (2014).

4.4.2 Types of Agricultural Market Information Accessed by Small Scale Farmers

Respondents of this study were asked to indicate the types of agricultural market

information they frequently access. It was important to establish types of agricultural

market information respondents need to access in order to establish information needs

of small scale farmers. The responses received are shown in table 4.5.

Table 4.5 Types of Agricultural Market Information Accessed by Small Scale

Farmers (Multiple Responses).

Type of Information Frequency Percentage (%)

Extension services 309 83.51

Product Quality 220 59.5

Market Price 339 91.6

Market Trend 100 27

Sales Time/Season 339 91.6

Planting Season 309 83.51

Agricultural Technology 85 23

Market Type/information 345 93

42
 Product Tax 60 16

Quantity Demand 230 62

Animals Breed 36 10

Transportation Costs 172 46

Source: Research Data (2021)

The findings from table 4.5 above, indicate that the most agricultural market

information accessed by small scale farmers is markets type to sell their produce 345

(93%), followed by market price and sales time 339 (91.6%), type of products and

planting seasons 309 (83.51%), quantity demand 230 (62%), product quality 220

(59.5%), Transportation costs 172 (46%), market trend 100 (27%), Agricultural

technology 85 (23%), and the least accessed agricultural market information is animal

breed 36 (10%).The findings are in line with Makawia (2018) who indicated that small

scale farmers need to access different agricultural market information from farm

preparation to post-harvest and marketing to make informed decisions. Small scale

farmers need agricultural information such as agricultural marketing, agricultural

technology, day to day market trends and prices of different types of crops to improve

their farming activities and productivity. Parmar et al. (2019) also revealed that small

scale farmers require information such as storage costs, storage methods, transportation

costs, market price, farm gate fee/charges, market charges, future price as well as

buyers’ contacts.

43
Interview with extension officers to know which kind of information was provided to

small scale farmers indicated that they help small scale farmers to access different types

of agricultural market information as illustrated by the following quote:

“We normally provide extension services information such as

recommended chemicals for controlling pests, product quality, seasons
for planting, how to prepare farms and where/when to sell their products
to maximize profit because small scale farmers are not aware about
what the current market information is available”.

(Extension Officer)

The study findings indicated that majority of small scale farmers seek information on

market type to sell their products, market price and sales time/season.

Observation results showed that, small scale farmers have harvested their products

(from 2 to five sacks) and kept them in their storage warehouses waiting for buyers to

come. It was also found that, buyers are the ones who decide the prices of the products

although farmers had the price information at hand, they lacked bargaining power due

to lack of confidence and education about market price and market seasons as well as

where to sell their products.

4.5 Sources, Channels and Technologies used by small scale Farmers to Access

Agricultural Market Information

In view of the importance of sources of agricultural market information as the main

information resources accessibility, respondents were requested to mention sources

which they mostly use to access agricultural market information. Results on sources of

market information are presented in table 7.

44
Table 4.6 Sources, Channels and Technologies of Agricultural Market Information

(Multiple Responses)

Sources of Market Frequency Percentage (%)

Information

Television 4 1

Farmers’ Organizations 217 58

NGOs 189 51

Extension Officers 315 85

Friends 339 91

Traders/Buyers 18 4

Other Farmers 339 91

Radio 339 91

Family Members 339 91

Mobile Phones/smart 8 2

phones

Library 22 6

Source: Research Data (2021)

45
Findings from table 4.6 above, show that, small scale farmers in Babati District mostly

use friends, radio, family members and other farmers 339 (91%) as the main sources to

access agricultural market information. Farmers also mentioned extension officers as

the second main source of information 315 (85%), television was the least used source

of information 4 (1%), followed by mobile phones 8 (2%), traders/buyers 18 (4%) and

library 22 (6%).

The interview result from extension officer during an interview noted that;

“Small scale farmers’ group leaders normally receive information from

extension officers and then communicate the same to farmers during
farmers’ formal or informal meetings”.

(Extension Officer)

These findings are in line with other studies which revealed that small scale farmers

mostly prefer to use family/parents, friend, neighbors, personal experience, radios,

agricultural input suppliers and extension officers as their most preferred sources of

agricultural market information (Magesa 2014; Aku, 2017; Mmbando, 2014; Benard,

Dulle & Ngalapa, 2014 and Magesa, Michael & Ko, 2020).

The response obtained from interview was as follows:

“The utilization of television, radios, social media, mobile phones and

ICT facilities as sources of agricultural market information to small
scale farmers could play a major role in disseminating agricultural
market information but majority of small scale farmers are earning
limited income to afford to buy television, radio, mobile phones, etc or

46
 travelling to town to seek for assistance from extension officers when an
information need arise”.

(Extension officer)

Therefore, findings from the study revealed that, majority of small scale farmers still

rely on the traditional sources in accessing agricultural market information as they find

them friendly and relevant than the use of modern information sources.

However, the study findings showed that none of small scale farmers were using social

media, newspapers and internet as sources of agricultural market information in the

study areas. This is in line with the study done by Bernard, Dulle and Ngalapa (2014).

It can be seen from the findings that ICTs including the internet, mobile phones, emails,

radios, TV and computers are not fully utilized by small scale farmers. This is attributed

by high costs of ICT services, illiteracy level, low income and limited training provided

to small scale farmers.

4.6 Products Selling Points

The study sought to find out where respondents are selling their products. With this

question, researcher wanted to know whether the agricultural market information

accessed by small scale farmers in Babati District has helped famers to sell their

products. Table 4.7 below represents the responses from respondents.

Table 4.7 Products Selling Points

Selling Outlet Frequency Percentage (%)

Local Markets 325 88

47
Traders 180 47

Urban Markets 57 15

Food Vendors 36 10

Local Auction Days 289 78

(Gulio/Mnadani)

Street Vendors 22 6

Source: Research Data (2021).

The findings from table 4.7 above, suggested that 325 (88%) of small scale farmers in

Babati District sell their products at the nearby local markets, followed by local auction

days 289 (78%), this show that small scale famers have not been given more

information on external markets as it indicates that only 57 (15%) of respondents do sell

their products to urban markets.

The study also revealed that majority of small scale farmers have a little chance to

participate/access official/formal markets due to lack of reliable agricultural market

information, these farmers cannot access alternative market channels for selling their

agricultural products. The study shows that majority of small scale farmers always

embrace the traditional/informal ways of selling their products such as local markets,

intermediary (brokers), other famers, relatives, or neighbors. This shows that small

scale farmers could have taken the advantages of selling their products to external

markets but it seems that either this is not known by majority of small scale famers or

they were facing some challenges such as unavailability of agricultural market

48
information which could help one who holds it to pass it on to other farmers which

would be used for marketing decisions/choice.

4.7 Challenges Small Scale Farmers Experience in Accessing Agricultural Market

Information

One of the objectives of this study was to establish challenges that small scale farmers

experience in accessing agricultural market information. This is based on an assumption

that if challenges that hinder small scale farmers to access and use agricultural market

information are identified and well understood, possible measures could be

recommended to improve the situation. Respondents were requested to mention

challenges that inhibit them from utilizing agricultural market information. The

following are the challenges identified by respondents.

Table 4.8 Challenges Faced by Small Scale Farmers in Accessing Market

Information (Multiple Responses)

Challenge Frequency Percentage (%)

limited awareness 350 95

Inadequate information 260 70

materials

Unreliable power supply 348 94

Inadequate fund 339 92

Lack of technological 39 11

49
 skills

Language barrier 125 34

Time limit 176 48

Irrelevant information 62 17

materials

Information costs 280 76

Source: Research Data (2021)

The study findings reveal that 350 (95%) lack awareness of accessing market

information, 348 (94%) revealed that there was unreliable power supply, 339 (92%)

stated inadequate fund, 280 (76%) revealed information costs, 260 (70%) showed

inadequate information materials, 176 (48%) said that time was limited and the least

was 39 (11%) lack of technological skills followed by 62 (17%) who said that

information materials were irrelevant and 125 (34%) revealed that language was a

barrier for them to access agricultural market information. Majority of small scale

farmers 348 (94%) are not aware on the importance of seeking agricultural market

information and they do not take much consideration and efforts on the information

provided to them.

Moreover, 339 (92%)of respondents reveal that unreliable power supply is a challenge

to access agricultural market information through radio, television and ICT facilities

which require electricity in order to access information. Benard, Dulle & Ngalapa

(2014) identified factors affecting accessibility of agricultural market information to

50
small scale farmers as limited numbers of radios and television, low literacy level of

farmers and inadequate number of personnel trained in agricultural information, lack of

awareness on availability of information sources, low income, lack of electricity and

high costs of ICT facilities inhibited accessibility to agricultural market information by

small scale farmers.

During interview Extension officers indicated that there were some challenges they

experience during provision of extension services.

“Yes, we travel to famers’ farms to provide extension services such as

how to use modern methods to plant, harvest and how to keep their
livestock, but we are faced with a challenge of distance from our offices
to where farmers are. We have not been given means of transport so
sometimes we have to hire motorbike (Boda Boda) which is very
expensive to reach every individual farmer’s village”.

(Extension officer)

“Sometimes I fail to deliver information that I have prepared to farmers

due to poor education background of farmers”.

(Extension officer)

In addition, observation revealed that majority of small scale farmers are illiterate,

whereby illiteracy limits them from accessing agricultural market information. Illiteracy

also hindered small scale farmers to access information resources written in language

which they are not conversant with such as Kiswahili or other foreign languages like

English as well as illiteracy hinder small scale farmers to communicate with other

actors in the market chain or even travelling to other distant markets. It was also

51
 Awareness on
the availability
of agricultural
observed that majority
market of small scale farmers lacked ICT skills as a result they were not
information
aware of the benefits of using ICT to promote their products to regional and other

distant/external markets.

Despite the existence of extension officers and open market (gulio) in almost every

ward, small scale farmers are still facing information asymmetry and selling their

products at lower price to local consumers/residents due to lack of knowledge and

agricultural market information which could help them to sell their products at a

competitive price in urban markets.

4.8 Suggested Measures to Address the Challenges

Respondents of this study were asked to suggest possible measures to address the

identified challenges where the findings indicated that respondents suggested that in

order to increase availability and accessibility of agricultural market information the

following have to be done.

One of the solutions recommended was a need to train small scale farmers on

information resources searching techniques. Extension officers suggested that many

farmers lacked ICT skills and also lacked awareness on the existence of information so

there is a need to train them so that they can be able to access relevant agricultural

market information. A small scale farmer equipped with ICT skills will be able to

access agricultural market information to make well informed selling and market

penetration decision.

Respondents also suggested that there is a need to improve network infrastructures to

increase the internet speed.

52
When asked to give recommendations and suggestions on how agricultural market

information can be effectively utilized, one extension officer had the following to say

during the interview.

“There is a need for us to be facilitated the means of transport, we can

be given a car or motorbike in order to improve our day to day
operations and frequently visit farmers for provision of extension
information and access to market information”.

(Extension Officer)

Furthermore, the findings suggested that there is a need of having extension service

supports from extension officers so that small scale farmers can access relevant

agricultural information on various issues. Also respondents expressed their views on

the need of having an information centre around their location so that they can be able

to access agricultural market information as per their information needs so that to solve

their market information queries.

4.9 Chapter Summary

The purpose of this chapter was to present the findings about availability and

accessibility of agricultural market information by small scale farmers. Data analysis

and interpretation clearly presented the required information that helped in addressing

the research study objectives. The findings analysis was presented by integrating data

obtained from questionnaires, interviews and observations methods of collecting data.

The findings from questionnaires were first presented and followed by those from

interviews and observations.

53
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction
The study assessed the availability and accessibility of agricultural market information

by small scale farmers. This chapter presented a summary of the major findings of

chapter four, gives conclusion and recommendations. Therefore, this study has revealed

some findings which are significant to the major stakeholders targeting small scale

farmers with regard to availability and accessibility of agricultural market information.

The relevant findings of the study are summarized in line with the research objectives

and questions as outlined above.

5.2 Summary of the Major Findings

5.2.1 Availability and Access to Agricultural Market Information

The study findings indicated that majority of small scale farmers 311 (84%) have access

to agricultural market information and 44 (12%) of respondents said they have no

access to agricultural market information, while 15 (4%) of respondents did not provide

any response on the question.

Even though majority of small scale farmers (84%) have access to agricultural market

information, the study indicated that agricultural market information was not

disseminated to farmers on time for them to make right decisions at the right time as per

their information needs. Thus, there was a general need to improve dissemination of

information to farmers to increase accessibility. The results further revealed that, small
54
scale farmers were able to access agricultural market information which was around

them through informal channels.

5.2.2 Types of Agricultural Market Information Accessed by Small Scale Farmers

The study findings revealed that 345 (93%) of the respondents access information on

market types to sell their products, followed by market price and sales time 339 (91%),

type of products and planting seasons 309 (83%), quantity demand 230 (62%), product

quality 220 (59%), Transportation costs 172 (46%), market trend 100 (27%),

agricultural technology 85 (23%). It was also revealed from the findings that the least

accessed agricultural market information is animal breed 36 (10%) followed by product

tax 60 (16%).

Although there were few respondents from this study 45 (12%) who indicated that they

had no access to agricultural market information, generally, high percentage of

respondents revealed that they have accessed various types of agricultural information

such as extension services, product quality, market price, market trends, sale

time/seasons, planting seasons, agricultural technology, market type/information,

product tax, quantity demand, animal breed and transportation costs.

5.2.3 Sources and Channels and Technologies Used by Small Scale Farmers to

Access Agricultural Market Information

The results of the study revealed that majority of small scale famers 339 (91%) use

friends, radios, family members and other or fellow famers as sources or channels to

access agricultural market information followed by extension officers 315 (85%) who

were the second rated main source in accessing agricultural market information by
55
small scale famers. The study also implied that, although some small scale farmers had

facilities such as smart phone, television and were connected to internet, they were not

effectively using them to utilize/access agricultural market information. Small scale

farmers were having limited knowledge on how to use ICT facilities to access

agricultural market information.

The study also indicated that, none of small scale farmers were using social media,

newspapers and internet as sources of accessing agricultural market information.

5.2.4 Product Selling Points

The study wanted to find out if the available and accessed agricultural market

information has helped small scale famers to sell their products and if yes where do they

sell their products. The findings of this study revealed that 325 (88%) of respondents

sell their products at the nearby local markets, 289 (78%) local auction day

(mnadani/gulio), and only 57 (15%) said that they sell their products at urban markets.

The study findings established that majority, of small scale farmers were not aware of

external markets where they could sell their products and maximize profits. These

farmers cannot access alternative markets to sell their products whereby, the

opportunity has been grabbed by brokers (middlemen) who buy the products at lower

prices and sell them at higher prices in external/urban markets. Actual access to external

markets was minimal as indicated by findings 57 (15%).

The findings further revealed that 180 (47%) of respondents sell their products to

traders who visit their homes/villages, 36 (10%) sell their products to food venders and

only 22 (6%) said that they sell their products to street vendors. It shows that there was
56
a need to add more efforts on information disseminations and provide guidance to small

scale farmers that will assist them to effectively utilize agricultural market information.

5.2.5 Challenges Small Scale Farmers Experience in Accessing Agricultural

Market Information.

The study identified challenges faced by small scale farmers in accessing agricultural

market information, results show that 350 (95%) of the respondents lack awareness that

agricultural information is available, 348 (94%) of the respondents revealed unreliable

power supply, 339 (92%) of the respondents are challenged with inadequate fund to

access agricultural market information resources, 280 (76%) of the respondents

revealed access to agricultural market information costs them a lot for they have to pay

to access information materials, 260 (70%) of the respondents showed inadequate

information materials concerning to agricultural market information,

Moreover, 176 (48%) of respondents indicated that time was very limited for them to

find and access agricultural market information, 125 (34%) of the respondents said that

language used to publish most of agricultural market information hinder them to acquire

information materials, and the least 39 (11%) of the respondents said that they lack

technological skills to access agricultural market information, followed by 62 (17%) of

respondents who revealed that they find irrelevant information materials concerning to

agricultural market information because most of information materials are irrelevant to

what they are searching for.

The findings of this study established that majority of small scale farmers were not

aware on the accessibility of agricultural market information, illiteracy on searching

57
skills and their communication skills is very low hence they are inhibited to access more

relevant information.

5.3 Conclusion

Agricultural market information is very crucial to small scale farmers to undertake their

day to day agricultural activities. The findings revealed that, small scale farmers in

Babati District need various types of agricultural market information such as extension

services, products quality, market price, market trends, sales time/seasons, planting

seasons, agricultural technology, market type and market information, product tax,

quantity demand, animals breeding and products transportation costs for them to

smoothly carry out their agricultural farming activities. There was evidence that small

scale farmers have access to agricultural market information through informal sources

such as fellow/other farmers, family members, friends, radios, extension officers, group

leaders and traders.

However, it was also discovered that, there were a number of challenges faced by small

scale farmers in accessing agricultural market information, therefore, the study

concludes that, despite the availability of different sources and channels of agricultural

market information to small scale farmers, a number of challenges have inhibited them

from utilize agricultural market information in an optimum manner. These challenges

include limited awareness, inadequate information materials, irrelevant information

materials, information costs, language barrier, inadequate funds, time limit, unreliable

power supply, as well as lack of technological skills and lack of searching skills.

58
5.4 Recommendations

This study was about assessment on availability and accessibility of agricultural market

information by small scale farmers in Babati District. Based on the findings, the

following recommendations were made to provide guidance on availability and

accessibility of agricultural market information in Babati District specifically, and

Tanzania in general.

5.4.1 Recommendation to the Government

 Increase a number of extension officers: Babati district has many small scale

farmers compared to a number of extension officers. The study therefore,

recommends that the government employ more extension officers and be posted to

Babati district to increase interaction with farmers for them to easily access

agricultural market information.

 Establishment of libraries/information centres: The ministry of agriculture in

collaboration with the government and Tanzania Library Services Board should

introduce agricultural special libraries, information centres and mobile libraries to

disseminate agricultural market information to small scale farmers. Introduction of

mobile libraries will take agricultural market information closest to small scale

farmers which will enhance their level of accessibility of available agricultural

information resources.

 ICT infrastructures: The study findings revealed that there is inadequacy of ICT

infrastructures in Babati district. As a result small scale farmers could not fully

benefit with the use of ICT to access, disseminate, use and share agricultural market
59
 information with their fellow farmers. There is a need for the government to

improve and enhance ICT infrastructures so that to encourage small scale farmers to

use emerging technology (ies) to seek and retrieve agricultural market information

timely. Improvement and establishment of ICT infrastructures would improve

interaction between small scale farmers and extension officers, small scale farmers

with external markets as well as would minimize the costs to share useful

information between farmers and agricultural experts.

5.4.2 Recommendations to Extension Officers

 Raise awareness: This study recommended that extension officers and other

information practitioners dealing with agricultural market information should

conduct user awareness campaigns through workshops, seminars and mass media

to sensitize small scale farmers on the significance of accessing agricultural market

information for improvement of their agricultural activities and how information

could help small scale farmers to access and participate in profitable and

competitive markets.

 Farmers’ education program: extension officers and other agricultural

information actors should develop education/training programs for small scale

farmers. The trainings could be conducted through different media such as radios,

televisions and seminars so as to ensure that small scale farmers are aware on how

to access reliable, timely, accurate as well as relevant agricultural market

information, small scale farmers need agricultural advisory and consultancy

services to ensure that their agricultural information needs are fulfilled. Small scale

60
 farmers should also be trained on the availability of sources of agricultural market

information so that to empower them and reduce the level of illiteracy and

ignorance amongst them.

The training program for small scale farmers is very important because this training

is a source through which farmers become aware of the available sources and how

to use the sources. Extension officers should organize special training sessions,

meetings, workshops and seminars so that to educate small scale farmers the

importance of accessing agricultural market information.

 Agricultural Information repackaging: extension officers and other agricultural

market information providers should repackage agriculture information in a

suitable format to small scale farmers. For example, they may use a format such as

audio-visual technology whereby farmers may here and see for them to understand.

 Proximity of extension services: The study has discovered that distance from

farmers’ location to extension officers’ offices has become a barrier. Accessibility

to agricultural market information by small scale farmers in most cases was

affected by distance and costs that small scale farmers have to incur to reach

extension officers for assistance. Extension officers are therefore, advised to

frequently visit small scale farmers to provide extension services and minimize

farmers’ costs and walking distance to access agricultural information. This will

help small scale farmers find relevant information and enhance their level of

accessing agricultural market information.

61
5.4.3 Recommendations to Small Scale Farmers

 Modern mobile devices ownership: The study recommends that small scale

farmers buy modern mobile devices such as smart phones to increase their ability

to participate fully in agricultural activities. Through the use of mobile devices

famers could formulate social media groups such as Whatsapp and Face book and

share agricultural market information at minimal costs.

In addition, farmers can access agricultural information such as agriculture

technologies from extension officers via mobile phones. Mobile devices can be

used as one of potential alternative to minimize farmers’ extension services costs

for they will not be required to travel from one village to another to seek for

agricultural information. Through the use of mobile devices such as smart phone

farmers will reduce travelling costs, saving time and improve access to market

information and getting a good price of their products. Mobile phones will provide

farmers an opportunity to communicate directly with market consumers for selling

their products at good prices and it will also enable farmers to access and get

connected to new knowledge and information sources which were not previously

available to them without any physical contact.

 Joining farmers’ organizations: small scale farmers have to join in the existing

farmers’ organizations or formulate new organizations which will help them to

access relevant information. Farmers’ organizations are reported to be linked to

better markets through which farmers will receive relevant agricultural market

information. Farmers’ organizations would collect, process and disseminate market

62
 information to small scale farmers which will help the interested group to increase

accessibility to and participate in the markets.

 Reading habits: Small scale farmers should develop a habit of reading and

searching different literatures concerning to agricultural market information so as

to equip themselves with agricultural market information.

 Furthermore, small scale farmers should undergo formal agricultural information

searching training so that to be able to search, access and analyze agricultural

market information they frequently need.

5.5 Areas for Further Research

This research study aimed at assessing availability and accessibility of agricultural

market information by small scale farmers in Babati District. The findings of this study

contribute to the understanding of the availability and accessibility of agricultural

market information to small scale farmers. The study covered a small area therefore;

there is a need to carry out a similar study in other areas in Tanzania. This research

however hopes to stimulate further research, enabling other researchers to draw on an

extensive, coherent body of knowledge to nurture agricultural information needs among

small scale farmers in rural areas. A further study is needed to investigate different

factors that hinder accessibility and usability of agricultural market information to either

small scale farmers or other types of farmers.

1. Therefore, this study and its findings should be viewed as a starting point for more

extensive research related to availability and accessibility of agricultural market

information for the enhancement of small scale farmers engagement.

63
2. Future research study should examine utilization of agricultural market information

with a different sample of small scale farmers from other geographical areas.

3. In addition, there is a need to conduct research on how the training/awareness

campaign would influence agricultural market information accessibility and market

participation among small scale farmers.

64
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Seale, C. (2004). Researching society and culture (2nd Ed). SAGe Publication

Ltd.

Sekaran, U. (2003). Research methods for business: a skill building approach (4th Ed).
70
 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Shepherd, A. W. (1997). Market information services: theory and practice.

Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/a-x6993e.pdf

Skjöldevald, M. (2012).Small scale farmers’ access to and participation in

Markets. Retrieved from

http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:530420/FULLTEXT01.pdf

APPENDIX A

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WARD AND VILLAGE EXTENSION OFFICERS

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am a student at The Open University of Tanzania pursuing Master degree in Library

and Information Management.

I am carrying out a research study on “The availability and accessibility of agricultural

market information by small scale farmers in Babati District.”

Kindly read this questionnaire careful and fill in the questions to the best of your

knowledge, as a main objective of this study is to assess availability and accessibility of

market information by small scale farmers in rural areas in Tanzania.

Your support in this study is highly appreciated and it is guaranteed that all the

information to be provided will only be used for the purpose of this study hence

confidentiality is highly guaranteed.

71
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation

Regards,

Mfinanga, Richard Chrispine

OUT Student

A) Personal Particulars

1. Age

a) 18-24 [ ]

b) 25-34 [ ]

c) 35-44 [ ]

d) 45 and above [ ]

2. Gender

a) Male [ ]

b) Female [ ]

3. level of education

a) PhD [ ]

b) Masters [ ]

c) Degree [ ]

d) Diploma [ ]
72
 e) Certificate [ ]

4. Name of the office/organization………………………………………

5. Position/Title in the organization……………………………………………

6. Which method, channel or technology (s) do you use to provide agricultural

market information to small scale farmers? (Please tick all applies)

a) Brochures and leaflets [ ]

b) Conducting outreach program [ ]

c) Radio program [ ]

d) Television program [ ]

e) Conducting seminars [ ]

f) Others (Please mention them)

……………………………………………………………….

7. Are the above mentioned methods effective to fulfill agricultural market

information needs of farmers?

a) Yes [ ]

b) No [ ]

Give reasons on your answer above

73
 ……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………..

8. Do you have an open access area (s) where small scale farmers can access

agricultural market information?

a) Yes [ ]

b) No [ ]

9. If “Yes”, which kind of open access do you have?

a) Library [ ]

b) Information centre [ ]

c) Documentation centre [ ]

d) Record centre [ ]

e) Others (Please mention them)

……………………………………………………………………….

10. What type (s) of information do you provide to small scale farmers? (Please tick

all applies)

a) Farming/planting seasons [ ]

b) How to plant crops [ ]

74
 c) How to keep animals [ ]

d) How to harvest crops [ ]

e) Where to get markets [ ]

f) Use of agricultural technology [ ]

g) Others (Please specify)

……………………………………………………

11. What type (s) of information is mostly requested by small scale farmers? (Please

tick to all applies)

a) Where to sell their produce [ ]

b) When will a new season start [ ]

c) Type of technology to use [ ]

d) Products tax [ ]

e) How to store and preserve their produce [ ]

f) What is the price of their products [ ]

g) Others (Please mention them)……………………………………………

12. How do you know small scale farmers’ agricultural information needs?

a) By asking them [ ]

b) Using working experiences [ ]

75
 c) Through reading literatures [ ]

d) Through conducting research [ ]

e) Through radio/television [ ]

f) Other (Please mention them)

……………………………………………………………………….

13. What are the challenges do you face in disseminating agricultural market

information to small scale farmers?

a) Lack of awareness among farmers [ ]

b) You do not have enough information materials [ ]

c) In adequate fund [ ]

d) Farmers are scattered [ ]

e) New technology [ ]

f) Others (Please mention them)

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

………………………...

76
 14. What is your future plans with regard to agricultural information materials and

provision of market information to small scale farmers?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………..

15. What are your suggestions or recommendations on how to improve the situation?

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

77
 APPENDIX B

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SMALL SCALE FARMERS

Introduction

My name is Mfinanga, Richard Chrispine a student pursuing Masters degree in Library

and Information Management at The Open University of Tanzania.

I am carrying out a research study on “The availability and accessibility of agricultural

market information by small scale farmers in Babati District.”

Kindly read in the questionnaire careful and fill in the questions to the best of your

knowledge, as a main objective of this study is to investigate availability and

accessibility of market information by small scale farmers in Tanzania.

Your support is highly appreciated and it is guaranteed that all the information to be

provided will only be used for the purpose of this study, hence confidentiality is highly

guaranteed.

A) Personal Particulars

1. Age

a) 18-24 [ ]

b) 25-34 [ ]

c) 35-44 [ ]

78
 d) 45 and above [ ]

2. Gender

a) Male [ ]

b) Female [ ]

3. Level of education

f) PhD [ ]

g) Masters [ ]

h) Degree [ ]

i) Diploma [ ]

j) Certificate [ ]

k) Form six [ ]

l) Form Four [ ]

m) Primary education [ ]

n) Others (please specify)………………………………………..

4. Which type (s) of Crop (s)/livestock (s) do you

cultivate/keep................................................?

5. Do you have access to agricultural market information?

79
 a) Yes [ ]

b) No [ ]

6. Which type of agricultural market information do you prefer or need?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

………….……………………………...

……………………………………………………………………………………

…………

7. Are you getting any agricultural marketing information support from anywhere?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

a) If No why?

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………

b) If yes, name the sources of agricultural market information (tick applicable)

i. Television [ ]

80
 ii. Farmers organization [ ]

iii. NGOs [ ]

iv. Extension officers [ ]

v. Friends [ ]

vi. Traders/buyers [ ]

vii. Radio [ ]

viii. Mobile phone [ ]

ix. Social Media [ ]

x. News papers [ ]

xi. Internet [ ]

xii. Library [ ]

8. What kinds of agricultural market information do you get from the sources

above?

a) Market price [ ]

b) Market trend [ ]

c) Sales time [ ]

d) Quantity demand [ ]

81
 e) Types of markets [ ]

f) Other (Please specify)

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………

9. Are your agricultural market information needs fulfilled by sources you

indicated?

a) Yes [ ]

b) No [ ]

Please give reasons for any of your answer above

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

…………………....................

10. Where do you sell your products? (Please specify)

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

82
 ……………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………

11. What challenges do you face in accessing and using agricultural market

information? (Please tick all

Applies)

a) Information cannot be obtained on time [ ]

b) Information is irrelevant [ ]

c) You have to pay to access information [ ]

d) Difficulty language used [ ]

e) Time limit [ ]

f) Lack of technology skills [ ]

g) Others (please mention them)

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

…………………..

12. What are your suggestions or recommendations on how to improve the

situation?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………
83
 ……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

84
 MUONGOZO WA DODOSO NA WAKULIMA NA WAFUGAJI WADOGO

UTANGULIZI

Naitwa Mfinanga, Richard Chrispine ni mwanafunzi wa shahada ya pili katika fani ya

Maktaba na usimamizi wa taarifa chuo kikuu huria cha Tanzania.

“Ninafanya utafiti kuhusiana na upatikanaji na utumiaji wa taarifa za masoko kwa

wakulima na wafugaji wadogo wadogo wilayani ya Babati vijijini”.

Tafadhali soma vizuri maswali na ujibu kwa kadri ya uwezo na ufahamu wako,

dhumuni kuu la utafiti huu ni kuchunguza upatikanaji na utumiaji wa taarifa za masoko

kwa wakulima na wafugaji wadogo wadogo wilaya ya Babati”.

Ushirikiano wako utasaidia katika upatikanaji wa habari zilizokusudiwa katika utafiti

huu. Napenda kukuthibitishia kwamba taarifa zote nitakazokusanya zitakua ni siri na

zitatumika kwa utafiti huu tu.

MAELEKEZO

Tafadhali weka alama ya vema kwenye jibu moja/husika ulilochagua

Kwa maswali yanayohitaji maelezo tumia nafasi iliyoachwa wazi.Kama haitoshi tumia

karatasi iliyoamatanishwa.

1. Umri wako

a) 18-24 [ ]

b) 25-34 [ ]
85
c) 35-44 [ ]

d) 45 nakuendelea [ ]

86
2. Jinsia

a) Mwanaume [ ]

b) Mwanamke [ ]

3. Kiwango chako cha elimu

a) Shahada ya uzamivu [ ]

b) Shahada ya uzamili [ ]

c) Shahada ya kwanza [ ]

d) Stashahada [ ]

e) Astashahada [ ]

f) Kidato cha sita [ ]

g) Kidato cha nne [ ]

h) Elimu ya msingi [ ]

4. Je ni aina gani ya zao/mazao unayolima, na je unafuga mifugo wa aina

gani…………………………………………………………………..?

5. Je hua unapata taarifa za masoko ya bidhaa unazozalisha?

a) Ndiyo [ ]

b) Hapana [ ]

87
6. Je ni aina gani ya taarifa za masoko unazozihitaji?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………

7. Je unapata msaada wowote wa taarifa za masoko kutoka sehemu yoyote?

i) Ndiyo [ ]

ii) Hapana [ ]

a) Kama jibu lako ni hapana, kwanini?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………

b) Kama jibu lako ni ndiyo, taja chanzo cha taarifa za masoko unachotumia (weka

alama ya vema panapohusika)

a) Televisheni [ ]

b) Vyama vya wakulima [ ]

c) Mashirika/Taasisi zisizo za kiserikali [ ]

88
 d) Wataalamu wa kilimo [ ]

e) Marafiki [ ]

f) Wafanyabiashara [ ]

g) Redio [ ]

h) Simu ya mkononi [ ]

i) Mitandao ya kijamii [ ]

j) Magazeti [ ]

k) Mtandao wa intaneti [ ]

l) Maktaba [ ]

m) Mengineyo (Tafadhali orodhesha)………………………………………

8. Je ni aina gani ya taarifa za masoko unazopata toka kwenye vyanzo tajwa hapo

juu?

a) Bei za bidhaa sokoni [ ]

b) Hali ya masoko [ ]

c) Msimu wa mauzo [ ]

d) Mahitaji ya bidhaa [ ]

e) Aina ya masoko [ ]

89
 f) Mengineyo (Tafadhali ainisha)

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

………………………………

9. Je mahitaji yako ya taarifa za masoko yanatimizwa na vyanzo tajwa hapo juu?

a) Ndiyo [ ]

b) Hapana [ ]

Tafadhali fafanua jibu lako hapo juu

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………

10. Je unauza wapi bidhaa unazozalisha? (Tafadhali elezea)

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………

11. Je ni changamoto gani unakumbana nazo kwenye kupata na kutumia habari/taarifa

za masoko? (Tafadhali weka alama ya vema kwenye majibu/jibu sahihi)

a) Habari hazipatikani kwa wakati [ ]

90
 b) Baadhi ya habari hazihusiki [ ]

c) Unatakiwa kulipa ili upate habari [ ]

d) Lugha iliyotumika ni ngumu na haieleweki [ ]

e) Huna ujuzi wa tekinoloji [ ]

f) Mengineyo (Tafadhali orodhesha

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………

12. Nini maoni yako ili kuboresha na kurekebisha utoaji wa habari za masoko kwa

wakulima wadogo wadogo?

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………

ASANTE SANA

91
 APPENDEX C

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR EXTENSION OFFICERS

1. What are the small scale farmers’ agricultural information needs? Kindly

mention them

2. To what extent do you fulfill these agricultural information needs of small scale

farmers?

3. Do you provide agricultural market information to small scale farmers? If no

why?

4. If yes, which type of agricultural market information do you provide to small

scale farmers?

5. Which methods/sources do you use to provide agricultural market information to

small scale farmers?

6. Is there any agricultural based farmer organization in your area/community?

How do you work with the organization to support small scale farmers?

7. What is your future plans regarding to information materials and provision of

agricultural market information to small scale farmers?

8. What are the challenges do you face in disseminating agricultural market

information to small scale farmers?

9. What are your suggestions or recommendations on how to improve the situation

92
 APPENDIX D

OBSERVATION SCHEDULE/CHECKLIST

1. Do you have access to agricultural market information?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

2. Are you getting any support from any where?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

3. Is there any agricultural farmer organization which supports small scale farmers

information needs?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

4. Is there any sources/channel of agricultural market information?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

5. Is there any technology used to access agricultural market information?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

6. What challenges do you face in accessing and using agricultural market information?

(Please tick all applies)

h) Information cannot be obtained on time [ ]

i) Information is irrelevant [ ]

j) You have to pay to access information [ ]

k) Difficulty language used [ ]

l) Time limit [ ]

93
94