Use of information sources by commercial farmers in three Zobatat of Eritrea

Abstract

This study identifies the main sources of information used by commercial farmers in three Zobatat (regions) of Eritrea. A survey of 186 commercial farmers was conducted between November 2002 and February 2003. Results show that farmers' main sources of information vary according to enterprise type. For their production decisions, for example, poultry and dairy farmer respondents depend largely on information provided by veterinarians while horticulture and crop farmers rely mainly on the advice of extension agents. Policy recommendations include additional and appropriate recordkeeping training for farmers, improving the road and communications infrastructure, promoting commercial information providers, and for the Ministry of Agriculture to periodically publish an agricultural magazine in a way that farmers can understand the information provided.

Keywords: information sources; commercial farmers; Eritrea

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 34(1) 2005: 19-33