Information needs and information seeking behavior of small-scale coffee farmers in moshi rural district, Tanzania.

This study was undertaken to investigate information needs and information seeking behavior of small-scale coffee farmers in Moshi Rural district. Its objectives were to assess the information needs and seeking behavior of small-scale coffee farmers, sources of information used by small-scale coffee farmers and to identify the barriers to information access. Methodologically, this was a quantitative study. Data for this study were collected using a combination of techniques namely; questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Fifty six respondents participated in this study. These were drawn from small scale coffee farmers and agricultural extension officials. The findings revealed that the majority of coffee farmers are aged and did not go beyond primary school level. Farmers need information that is related to their activities and they prefer informal sources of information and extension services. It was also revealed that farmers face barriers in accessing information. The study concludes that; active age groups are not well represented in coffee farming, farmers need information on how to reduce production costs, financial information on sources of loan, skills, agricultural technology and market information. Farmers prefer to seek information frequently from families and friends, agricultural extension officials and they prefer cheap sources of information. Barriers facing farmers in accessing information include price, time, language and too much information. The kinds of information system best suited to the farmers' needs are extension services, information centers and group formation. The study recommends youths to be encouraged to participate more in coffee production; proper channels and approaches are needed to diffuse and strengthen information access to farmers and the library extension service linkage model by Aina (2006) to be used to enhance effective information dissemination to farmers.