Abstract
M.Inf.
For centuries man has relied on agriculture to sustain human life. Farmers, as usual, were
concerned with growing crops, vegetables and breeding domestic animals for transport, meat
and milk supply. Success in farming, especially stock farming was a sign of wealth. Land
area for cultivation of crops and pasture for livestock was ample. So, if land gets depleted and
cannot meet the needs of all adequately, farmers moved to other parts of the land where soils
were still fertile. So, agriculture and stock farming relied heavily on nomadic farmers to find
fresh fertile soils. Specialized agricultural information which is prevalent today was not
necessary. However, as the world population increased, land areas diminished and man’s
migration stopped. Soils depletion of minerals had to be re-used and technology was
developed to aid in improving the quality of the soils. Fertilizers, manure and irrigation were
introduced as did pesticides and herbicides which assisted in improving the quality and
quantity of agricultural output. Information is a powerful tool in addressing these agricultural
needs and if it is used appropriately it could change a nation’s economy. The purpose of the
research was to investigate agricultural information needs of agriculturists and farmers in
Lesotho and resources that are available to satisfy these needs. Therefore, it will be argued
that relevant and timely information has to be organized according to language and format
understood by different categories of agriculturists and farmers. Agricultural information that
might be useful to improve productivity should be appropriately disseminated to users who
may benefit from the information.
Specifically, the research project investigated different categories of agriculturists and farmers
and their type of agricultural information needs. Resources that are available in Lesotho and in
organizations were also investigated in order to identify those that could be utilized to meet
agriculturists’ and farmers’ needs. In order to arrive at this, the researcher did a literature
study on the status of agricultural information in the developed countries (DC), the less
developed countries (LDC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). The
project also looked at both the positive and negative factors that affect agricultural
development in order to select which methods and resources could be adapted to address the
needs of local agriculturists and farmers.
The researcher used the interview method to collect data on agricultural information needs of
agriculturists and farmers, as well as resources that are available to them in Lesotho. The
purpose of the structured interview was to gather information related to the use of information
sources, sources of agricultural information, document and information delivery and IT
connectivity.
The findings showed that farmers interviewed were spread evenly in agricultural farming of
maize, sorghum, beans and vegetables; and stock farming of cattle, cows, piggery and poultry.
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Agriculturists indicated that the purpose for which agricultural information was needed
included marketing of agricultural produce, research information and information for selfimprovement.
Farmers on the other hand indicated that they needed agricultural information
for advancement of primary production, community education, self-improvement and
sustainable agriculture. Other major findings included concern for which pest control and
sustainable agriculture. Current awareness services were also rated highly and publications
were the method of dissemination that was preferred.
Agricultural information that is cost-effective and appropriate was considered for purchase. In
terms of acquisition and accession of information, results showed that most users preferred
surface mail, as it is reliable and cheap, even though it is sometimes slow. Through it, bulky
packages like books and journals could be sent.