Analysis of information seeking behavior of smallholder rice farmers on safe use of pesticides in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Analysis of information seeking behaviour of rice farmers on safe use of pesticides in Anambra State, Nigeria was studied using one hundred and twenty respondents. The respondents were selected using multi-stage random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The information used for this study was derived from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through structured questionnaire and oral interview, while, the secondary source were acquired from recent published and unpublished survey articles, journals, textbooks, the internet, proceedings and other periodicals. The objectives of the study were analyzed using percentage responses and multivariate Logit model analysis. The result of the sources of information to the farmers on safe pesticide use was from friends, input dealer, radio and extension agent. Also, most of the respondents had low information seeking behavour. As well, the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers such as educational level, distance from the nearest market and extension services influenced positively their information seeking behaviours on safe use of pesticides, while radio ownership and mobile phone ownership were negative. The need to ensure farmers’ access to credit, educational programmes and extension services were proffered.