Uplifting the plight of Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: The Interplay between Information Seeking Behaviour and Information Literacy

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the linkage between information seeking behaviour
and information literacy of smallholder farmers in Uganda. Anchored on the
Personal Construct Theory and the Situated Learning Theory, two variables, that
is information seeking behaviour and tool adoption were used to explain
information literacy. Data was collected from 225 smallholder farmers located
in central Uganda at a single point in time using a structured questionnaire. To
assess the different hypotheses, we run a structural equation model using SPSS.
Results showed that the behaviour of smallholder farmers while seeking
information influences its use. The study established that information seeking
behaviour and Tool adoption were not related. Yet still it was established that
tool adoption significantly impacted on usage of information. Lastly the
mediating effect of tool adoption in the relationship between information seeking
behaviour and information literacy was non-significant. These findings have
practical implications for Policy makers and Extension workers on how to
improve information literacy but also advance information literacy theoretical
explanations by incorporating two theories.

Key Words: Information Literacy, Information seeking behaviour, tool adoption, smallholder farmers