The need for information to enhance agricultural productivity of rural communities of Western Province of Zambia: Case of Litoya rural farmers

Abstract

In order to attain national development, the role played by information in the process cannot be denied. In fact, information does not diminish if shared but rather improves the state of the one who receives it. Countries that have invested in information as a tool for national development have a lot of stories to share with those that have not done so. The value of information lies in the fact that its application cuts across all sectors of development. Zambia as a nation is currently pursuing its development efforts with a view to attain the status of a middle class income country by the year 2030. However, in order to achieve this desired goal, the need for an evaluation of the role played by information provision activities in the lives of the under privileged groups in the nation is critical. This is because the under privileged groups of the Zambian society are among the intended beneficiaries of the development that the country is trying to achieve. One such under privileged group is the farming communities in the rural areas of Western Province of Zambia. This research paper discusses the consequences of lack of agricultural information provision to the rural farmers of Litoya area in the Western Province of Zambia. With data collected through interviews and observations, the paper has highlighted and considered the role of information provision in the proper utilization of farming land, farming implements for land tillage, and the need for marketing information for the small scale farmers of Litoya area. The paper concludes by highlighting recommended channels through which information could be made available to the rural farmers of Litoya in order to enhance their agricultural viability and henceforth contribute to the national development process.