INFORMATION NEEDS OF POULTRY FARMERS

ABSTRACT

This study assessed information needs of poultry farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Specifically, it examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, perceived information needs displayed by the farmers, information sources available to the farmers, information seeking strategies used by the poultry farmers, and constraints faced by poultry farmers when sourcing and utilizing information.

This study was carried out in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. A two stage sampling technique was employed in selecting respondents for the study. The first stage involved the random selection of four(4) towns from the study area. The second stage involved the random selection of thirty(30) poultry farmers from each of the selected towns, which conforms to a sampling size of one hundred and twenty(120) respondents. Primary data was assembled using a well-structured questionnaire, with secondary data acquired from literature, journals and proceedings from the internet. Data was evaluated using frequency, percentages and mean score. Pearson product correlation was used as an inferential statistical tool, and in verifying the hypothesis, chi-square test was used to find out if a relationship existed between constraints faced by poultry farmers and their information needs.