Schwalbe, Julie (author / Living the Country Life), Van Hoorhis, Bob (author / Associated Ag Publications), Schroeder, Troy (author / Broadhead+Company), Will, Oscar H. III (author / GRIT), Welch, Bryan (author / Mother Earth News), Parry, Mike (author / National Association of Farm Broadscasting), Brown, Eric (author / Rural Lifestyle Market LLC), and Schimeck, Rosemary (author / Farm Progress)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2008-09
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C28269
18 pages., This article reports on findings of a study that was conducted to establish the information needs of women subsistence or smallholder farmers and the various information sources they consulted to resolve their information needs. The study was qualitative,and a grounded theory design was used. Focus group interviews and observation were used to collect data from 14 women crop farmers and three women livestock keepers.The farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) model was adopted to understand theinformation-seeking behaviours of women farmers and how they can be improved, if need be. The findings revealed that while the women crop farmers needed help with seeds, soil treatment and the protection of crops from pests and stray animals,they needed more information on drought preparedness and management, and,on how to transform from subsistence to commercial farming. Women livestock keepers needed information on livestock feeds, the treatment of various ailments, and disaster preparedness and management. In addition, they needed the reintegration of the extension officer.It also transpired that local libraries were not responding to the information needs of farmers.The main source of information was oral communication. The use of radio, television, cell phones and extension officers was limited.This study echoes other studies which propose it is important that libraries, non-government organisations (NGOs) and extension officers respond to the information needs of smallholder farmers, especially women.
National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Platte City, Missouri.
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
2008-11-12
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 169 Document Number: C28444
Notes:
5 pages., Summary of a panel discussion in a joint session of the 2008 NAFB convention and National AgriMarketing Association (NAMA) in Kansas City, Missouri. Panelists examine what it takes to cater to rural lifestyle needs and expectations.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 148 Document Number: D11590
Notes:
3 pages., Online from publisher website. 2 pages., Report explains that more than $1 billion are "flowing to 126 communities in 38 states and tribal lands to build broadband networks." Author summarizes a Federal Communications Commission resource page explaining why rural broadband is so important.
Online via Social Sciences Research Network. 1 page., Author's analysis of obstacles for women entrepreneurship. Among those cited: "traditional mindset of the society," "negligence of the state and respective authorities," "absence of definite agenda of life, absence of balance between family and career obligations of women, poor degree of financial freedom for women," "lack of professional education," and others. Cited "need of continuous attempt to inspire, encourage, motivate and co-operate women entrepreneurs..."
