Promoting Information Literacy to Mitigate Misinformation on Agricultural Government Schemes: A Farmer-Focused Perspective

Abstract

Misinformation about agricultural government schemes often impedes farmers from fully utilizing available initiatives. This study examines the role of information literacy in mitigating misinformation and enhancing farmers’ access to government support. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a simple random sampling technique to select 200 farmers from four villages in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Data collection included surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to assess information literacy and misinformation’s impact on trust. The findings reveal that while most farmers are aware of agricultural schemes, they predominantly rely on informal sources such as peers and family, with 36.5% citing them as their primary source, highlighting the role of social networks in information dissemination. The key challenges include low digital literacy, limited access to verified sources, and social influences affecting information trust. Statistical analysis indicates negligible correlations between education or experience and information literacy, though strong correlations exist among literacy skills. The study also contributes original insights into the relationship between information literacy and misinformation, emphasizing the need for targeted literacy training, improved government communication, and community-driven interventions to enhance farmers’ decision-making and participation in agricultural schemes.