Agricultural information needs and information services for smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland

Abstract

The sugar industry is the dominant agricultural sector in Swaziland’s1 economy, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP), and smallholder sugarcane farming has become commonplace in the semi-arid lowveld of Swaziland, contributing more than 20% of production. Provision of relevant information delivery strategies to facilitate access to information by smallholder sugarcane farmers (SSFs) has become crucial to assist them in remaining competitive in the sugar industry. The study investigated the information needs and services of smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland involving three mill groups, namely Mhlume, Simunye and Big Bend. The research objectives were to: (a) examine the agricultural information needs of SSFs; (b) assess the current agricultural information services for SSFs; (c) examine the challenges faced by SSFs in accessing agricultural information, and; (d) develop strategies for enhancing access to agricultural information by SSFs. The study was underpinned by a conceptual framework derived from Wilson’s 1996 model of information behaviour and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The study adopted a positivist paradigm using the survey method, complemented by methodological triangulation, in order to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and interview guides. There were 168 responses and six interviews were conducted. Data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings revealed that SSFs have unmet information needs, primarily in sugarcane crop husbandry and farmer development information. It was revealed that the information needs and information services of the SSFs were influenced by demographic factors that include labour, farm size, education, age, and mill group. For most activities, a face-to-face mode of communication was mostly used. Despite a positive attitude towards use of information and communication technology (ICT), their state of e-readiness was low. Moreover, SSFs faced several challenges emanating from poor access to information and limited use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Barriers to the limited use of ICTs were technological, organisational, policy and individual-related. Therefore, the study recommends several measures, among others, a Sugarcane Information and Communication Centre (SICC) strategy framework. The study has implications for practice, policy and theory with regard to guiding the implementation of agricultural information services to farmers.