A Study of Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Nigeria

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf

Enhancing Information Service Delivery to Farmers: A Study of Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Nigeria

Amaoge Dorathy Agbo Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Nigeria [email protected]

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the benefits associated with information service delivery to farmers in Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for the study with a population of 5,000 farmers. The sample size of 500 (10%) of the population was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Percentage, mean scores, and frequency tables were used in analyzing the data. The findings showed that the following information services are rendered to communities under study: review of newspapers, review of books, review of magazines, table of content, current awareness service, selective dissemination of information, and film shows. It also revealed that the benefits that can be derived from effective information service delivery include: improvement to farmers’ income and livelihood, up-to-date farming technique, prevailing market conditions, prevention of food shortage, promotion of modern agricultural development, adjustment of the structure of the agricultural industry, reduction of cost, enhancement of the degree of market organization, and enhancement of the international competitiveness of agricultural products.

I. Introduction

Enugu State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. The State is bounded on the northeast by Ebonyi State, on the north by Benue State and Kogi State, on the south by Abia State, and on the west by Anambra State, from which it was carved out in 1991. Administratively, Enugu State is divided into 19 local government areas. But politically, there are three zones, namely, Enugu North, Enugu South, and Enugu East.

Communities in Enugu East Zone include Ibagwa Nike, Amaoji, Edem, Amaokpu, Alulu, Nneokpa, Eziams, Onyohu, and Ama-owere. About 85% of the rural population in Enugu East is engaged in the agricultural sector, characterized largely by smallholdings of less than one hectare. Predominant food crops include cassava, yam, maize, rice, pigeon pea, Barbara nuts, cocoyam, and cowpea. The major perennial tree crops are oil palm, citrus, pear, and cashew. These are supplemented with small-scale livestock farming such as poultry, small ruminants, and indigenous cattle.

Information is crucial in improving the living standard of farmers in the rural communities. Access to library and information service is necessary for technological and socio-economic growth in the rural communities. Societies, as a whole, cannot survive if they are not properly

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf informed about the recent developments both locally and internationally. Hence, information and communication is important to farmers in the rural communities as they will contribute to higher productivity, better crop yielding, improved health, and appropriate marketing conditions. The extents to which these benefits can be reaped depend much on the services libraries and information centers can offer to the farmers in the rural communities.

II. Literature Review

Information is one of the most valuable resources in rural development. It can assist farmers make informed decisions and take appropriate action to further organize farming and marketing. Information service, on the other hand, focuses on information need of users. It is a personal service or assistance provided to users in pursuit of information. The depth and characteristics of such services vary with the type of information agencies and the kind of users it is designed to serve.

Akonobi (1990) posited that “these services range from answering an apparent simple query to supplying information based on bibliographical search, combining the librarian or information specialist competence in research and the subject under investigation” (p. 43).

On the same note, Debowski (2003) opined that information services are aimed at achieving the following six key outcomes:

 Ensuring that the needs of users and the accessible information sources are suitably matched at all times  Delivering those information sources to the users in a timely and appropriate fashion  Ensuring that the information provided is of high quality, accurate and appropriate  Assisting the users in interpreting the materials if necessary  Promoting user awareness of new services and information sources as they develop  Providing users with individualized guidance and support as they build their information search and application skills. (p. 2626).

Information service delivery can be carried out through various forms, channels or strategies such as indexes, photocopying and pasting of table of content, abstracting services, mobile phone SMS, extension services, leaflets, newsletters, posters, exhibits, visual aids, and the internet, in which re-organized information is communicated to users for their information needs.

Ochogwu (2007) identified five agencies through which information services can be delivered to users: “archives, information and documentation centers, mass media, information brokerage firms and libraries” (p. 20). These agencies have increased special services designed to meet the needs of a particular user group by providing special types of information.

Gakuru, Winters, and Stepman (2009) argued that

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf

If innovative farmer information systems respond to specific farmers’ requirements and benefit the farmers, mobile providers, researchers and input/market providers alike, there is a better chance for increased sustainability. For instance, when the back-end of the farmer information system contains a call centre, the farmer information system can implement farmers’ feedback to be used for localization and respond to specific farmers’ requirements such as language and specific products. The SMS platform can be used for alerts, targeted to provide farmers with specific information, thereby creating demand. (p. 11)

Chen and Zhou (2006) identified that agricultural information played six key roles in promoting modern agricultural development:

converting from traditional to knowledge agriculture, adjusting the structure of the agricultural industry, reducing costs and increasing income, enhancing the degree of market organization, enhancing the international competitiveness of agricultural products and improving the quality of farmers' lives, thereby promoting social progress (p. 60).

Adero (2009) also noted that “agro-based organizations could provide information to help farmers update farming techniques or indicate prevailing market conditions that could help prevent future food shortages”.

III. Objectives of the Study

The broad aim of the study is to examine the benefits associated with effective information service delivery to farmers. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. Analyze the available information services rendered to farmers in Enugu East Senatorial Zone; 2. Identify the benefits associated with effective information service delivery to farmers.

IV. Scope of the Study

The scope of the study encompasses the benefits associated with effective information service delivery to farmers in Enugu East Senatorial Zone. However the study has the following limitations:

1. The study is limited to Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Nigeria. 2. The study includes only the farmers. 3. The study is limited to the benefits associated with effective information service delivery.

V. Research Methodology

A descriptive survey design was used for the study with a population of 5,000 farmers. The population for this study consists of farmers in the six communities that make up Enugu East Senatorial Zone: Isi-Uzo, Enugu-East, Enugu-South, Enugu-North, Nkanu-West, and Nkanu- East. According to Fadama Cooperative Associations’ Register (2008), there are 5,000 registered

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf

farmers in the senatorial zone: 850 (Isi-Uzo), 800 (Enugu-East), 700 (Enugu-South), 850 (Enugu-North), 900 (Nkanu-West), and 900 (Nkanu-East). The sample size of 500 (10%) of the population was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Percentage, mean scores and frequency were used in analyzing the data.

VI. Data Analysis

Table 1. Distribution and return rate of the questionnaire Enugu Enugu Enugu Isi- Nkanu Nkanu Total East North South Uzo East West Sample population 80 85 70 85 90 90 500 Returned copies 68 85 67 85 90 81 476 Return rate 85 100 96 100 100 90 95

Table 1 shows that the return rate for Enugu North, Isi-Uzo, and Nkanu East is 100% respectively, followed by Enugu-South (96%), Nkanu West (90%), and Enugu East (85%). A total of 476 copies of the questionnaire were returned and correctly filled. A percentage score of 50% was used as the benchmark.

Table 2. Information services rendered to farmers in Enugu East Senatorial Zone

Service Type Name of Community Enugu East Enugu North Enugu South Isi-Uzo Nkanu East Nkanu West Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Preparation of 70 83 80 83 83 75 Bibliography (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Review Journals 70 83 80 83 83 75 (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Review Reports 70 83 80 83 83 75 (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Review Thesis 70 83 80 83 83 75 (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Review Newspaper 42 28 50 33 70 10 60 23 65 18 25 50 (60%) (40%) (60.2%) (39.8%) (87.5%) (12.5%) (72.2%) (27.3%) (78.3%) (21.7%) (33.3%) (66.7%) Review Magazine 50 20 75 8 65 15 83 70 13 55 20 (71.4%) (29%) (90.4%) (9.6%) (81.3%) (18.1%) (100%) (84.3%) (15.7%) (73.3%) (26%) Review Books 60 10 83 65 15 83 83 75 (85.7%) (14.3%) (100%) (81.3%) (18.6%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Cataloguing 70 25 58 20 60 23 60 83 25 50 (100%) (30.1%) (70%) (25%) (60.2%) (28.1%) (60.2%) (100%) (33.3%) (67%) Preparation of List 70 23 60 75 5 65 18 65 18 50 25 of Table of Content (100%) (28%) (72%) (94%) (6.3%) (78.3%) (2.2%) (78.3%) (2.2%) (67%) (33.3%) Dubbing Video 20 5 72 11 63 17 53 30 45 38 23 52 (29%) (71.4%) (81%) (13.3%) (79%) (21.3%) (64%) (36.1%) (54.2%) (46%) (24%) (69.3%) Dubbing Audio 33 37 62 21 23 57 50 23 32 51 28 47 Cassette (47.1%) (53%) (75%) (25.3%) (29%) (71.3%) (60.2%) (28%) (39%) (61%) (37.5%) (63%)

Preparation of 20 50 17 66 32 48 46 37(45%) 83 22 53 Accessions List (29%) (71.4%) (20.5%) (80%) (40%) (63%) (55.4%) (100%) (29.3%) (71%) Current Awareness 70 63 20 16 67 72 11 76 7 56 19 Service (100%) (75%) (24%) (20%) (80%) (86.7%) (13.2%) (91.5%) (8.4%) (74.6%) (25.3%)

Indexing and 14 56 13 70 16 67 56 27 32 51 40 35 Abstracting Service (20%) (80%) (15.6%) (84.3%) (20%) (80%) (67.4) (32.5%) (39%) (61%) (53.3%) (46.6%)

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Selective 70 76 7 70 10 63 20 54 29 52 23 Dissemination of (100%) (91.5%) (8.4%) (87.5%) (12.3%) (75.9%) (24%) (65%) (34.9%0 (69.3%) (30.6%) Information Film Shows 70 83 80 83 83 75 (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%)

Table 2 shows the types of information services rendered to farmers in Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Of the 16 types of information services listed, 7 are rendered in Enugu East, 8 in Enugu North, 7 in Enugu South, 11 in Isi-Uzo, 8 in Nkanu East, and 7 in Nkanu West. Clearly, information services rendered to the communities are at different stages.

Table 3. Responses on the benefits associated with effective information service delivery to farmers Benefits SA A D SD Mean Decision Improve farmers' income and livelihood 475 4.0 Agree Update farming techniques 300 100 75 3.47 Agree Indicate prevailing market conditions 155 360 3.57 Agree Help prevent future food shortages 475 4.0 Agree Promote modern agricultural development 475 4.0 Agree Adjust the structure of the agricultural industry 230 245 3.48 Agree Reduce costs 150 325 3.31 Agree Enhance the degree of market organization 200 278 1.42 Rejected Enhance the international competitiveness of 125 200 150 2.94 Agree agricultural products

Table 3 shows the satisfactory levels of the respondents regarding the benefits derived from effective information service delivery. “Improve farmers’ income and livelihood”, “Help prevent future food shortage”, and “Promote modern agricultural development” have a mean score of 4.0 each, followed by “Indicate prevailing market conditions” (3.57), “Update farming techniques” (3.47), “Adjust the structure of the agricultural industry” (3.48), “Reduce costs” (3.31), “Enhance the international competitiveness of agricultural products” (2.94). On the other hand, it shows that “Enhance the degree of market organization” was not seen as a benefit with a mean score of 1.42.

VII. Findings

The importance of information in any establishment cannot be over-emphasized, as it elicits quick and accurate responses to events. The finding of this study showed that information services such as review of newspaper, review of books, review of magazines, preparation of lists of table of content, current awareness service, selective dissemination of information, and film shows are rendered to the communities under study. This finding has corroborated the argument of Afolabi (1998) that “information service may involve repackaging of information” (p. 26), as Zhao (2004) observed that

information needs of farmers is depended on their educational level, income, level of economic development in their area, information service capacity, and cost of accessing the information, including information on agricultural technology, agricultural

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf

economics, cropping varieties, machines, production processes, product transportation, and rural policies. (p. 18)

Other information services rendered to the communities under study include preparation of bibliographies, review of journals, review of reports, review of thesis, cataloguing, dubbing video, preparation of accession list, indexing and abstracting services. This supports the assertion made by Kumar (1987) that “information services provided depends on the nature of information sought by users” (p. 23).

VIII. Conclusion

A large number of rural people derive their livelihood from agriculture and other related rural economic activities. The most direct and effective means of raising standards of living and alleviating poverty, hunger and, malnutrition is through increasing the productivity and incomes of smallholder agriculture.

To accomplish this, adequate funds are needed to provide effective information service delivery to farmers. As equally important, adequate extension services need to be provided to farmers so that they can access relevant and up-to-date information.

References

Adero, B. (2009). Nokia launches information service for farmers in Kenya. Retrieved from http://www.africanagriculture.co.zw/2009/02/nokia-launches-information-service-for.html

Afolabi, M. (1998). Knowledge base for cataloguing and indexing libraries in democratic culture in NLA information for sustenance of a democratic culture. A compendium of papers presented at the 1999 NLA annual national conference and AGM held in port-Harcourt, May 8-14, 1998 (pp. 26-35).

Akonobia, R. (1990). Integrated rural development in Nigeria: The Anambra State experience. In Ikechukwu Nwosu (Ed.), Mass communication and national development: Perspectives on the communication environments of development in Nigeria. Aba, Imo State, Nigeria: Frontier Publishers.

Chen, L.; & Zhou, L. (2006). The important role of agricultural information technology on agricultural development. China Agricultural Science and Technology Guide, 8, 57-60.

Debowski, S. (2003). Services to remote library users. In Miriam A. Drake (Ed.), Encyclopedia of library and information science (2nd ed., pp. 2626-2627). New York: Marcel Dekker.

Gakuru, M.; Winters, K.; & Stepman, F. (2009). Innovative farmer advisory services using ICT. In Selected Papers of the W3C Workshop “Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile

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Technologies in Fostering Social Development” (April 1-2, 2009, Maputo, Mozambique). Retrieved from http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/papers/fara.pdf

Kumar, K. (1987). Reference services (5th ed.). New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House.

Munyua, H. (2007). ICTs and small-scale agriculture in Africa: A scoping study. Ottawa, Canada: International Development Research Centre. Retrieved from http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12212542261Final_Report_HMunya.pdf

Ochogwu, M. G. (2007). The internalities and externalities of library and information delivery services in Nigeria by the year 2015. Nigerian Libraries, 40(1), 15-26.

Zhao, Y. (2004). Analysis of farmers’ information needs in Hebei Province. Baoding, China: Economics and Management Department, Hebei Agriculture University.

Author: Amaoge Dorathy Agbo, Department of Library and Information Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Submitted to CLIEJ on October 19, 2015. Copyright © 2015 Amaoge Dorathy Agbo Agbo, Amaoge Dorathy. (2015). Enhancing information service delivery to farmers: A study of Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Nigeria. Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 40, 32-38. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl40agbo.pdf