Barriers in accessing agricultural information in Tanzania with a gender perspective: The case study of small-scale sugar cane growers in Kilombero district

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the Barriers in Accessing Agricultural Information in Tanzania with a Gender Perspective: The Case Study of Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers in Kilombero District. The study was carried out in three purposefully selected villages and five institutions in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region. The study used a sample size of 83 respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Data were collected by using documentary review, interviews through structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis procedure. The results of the study revealed that lack of access to the current, relevant and appropriate agricultural information in the rural areas has led to the stagnation of growth of sugar cane produced by small-scale growers. The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area are associated with the lack of means and facilities by which information can be easily accessed. It is therefore recommended that means and facilities by which growers can access agricultural information are put in place, rural women empowerment and involvement in the decision-making process at all stages, and the provision of agricultural information to rural farmers should be gender sensitive.