INFORMATION NEEDS AND UTILISATION AMONG FISH FARMERS IN NAMIBIA
Abstract
This study on information needs and utilization among aquaculture farmers in Namibia investigated the knowledge gap that exists between information and aquaculture production by providing research-based evidence on the nature and extent of information needed and utilised by aquaculture farmers in Namibia. The study was driven by the main research question; what are the information needs and utilisation patterns amongaquaculture farmers in Namibia? This mixed methods research employed a concurrent triangulation design, combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data collection methods used for the quantitative research were surveys, and semi-structured interviews, and document analysis for the qualitative. The population comprised of all fish farmers and their managers in Namibia. The key findings of the study revealed that fish farmers lacked the required information to fulfil their information needs. They needed the information for problem solving, performing tasks and decision making. The study also showed that fish farmers needed different types of information which cuts across different disciplines and this information included agricultural information, health information, environmental information, technological information, business and trade information, and government policies and plans. Fish farmers also used information from newspapers, Internet, textbooks, experts, etc. and on various topics such as fish markets and harvests, weather forecast, types of fish species, modern fishing methods, site of shoal, fish feeds, and fishing regulations and government policies. The study highlights the importance of information and knowledge for sustainable livelihoods amongst fish farmers.
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References
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