The information behaviour of Ugandan banana farmers in the context of participatory development communication

Abstract

Introduction. The study investigated famers' information behaviour during participatory development communication with researchers, in a farming context. It uses farmers' verbatim accounts during their search for information from researchers. Method. The study employed social survey research design which used focus group discussions, questionnaires and farm observations to collect data. A total of 120 small-scale farmers participated in the study. Analysis. Analysis of qualitative data was continuous. It occurred even during the planning stages aimed at establishing patterns, trends and relationships. Tentative themes and data categories were identified and assigned numerical codes representing attributes. Collected data were grouped according to the codes, and quantitatively analysed to reveal frequency of occurency. Quantitative data were processed and analysed using the SPSS, and Epi-data computer programs. Results. Most farmers obtained communally-expected information, but did not have personal expectations satisfied by the initiatives. They also obtained unanticipated benefits. Farmers used the acquired information despite challenges encountered. This led to improvement in banana yields. Conclusion. Participatory development communication helped researchers to disseminate information to farmers who, in turn, acquired and used the information for a relatively long time. Information intermediaries should study participatory development communication further, to adapt it for future information dissemination activities.