The influence of ICT usage in sharing information on fish farming productivity in the southern highlands of Tanzania

The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge 2018, Vol 6 (2)The use of ICTs in sharing information is very important in enhancing fish farming productivity among fish farmers. However, little is known on the linkage that exists between the use of ICTs and fish farming productivity in southern highlands of Tanzania. This study was conducted in three regions namely; Ruvuma, Mbeya and Iringa and involved twelve divisions purposively selected from six districts. The study involved 240 fish farmers who were randomly selected; it employed a cross section research design. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), observation and key informants interview were used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings indicate that mobile phone, radio and television were the most used ICTs tools among fish farmers for sharing agricultural information. In addition, the study revealed a higher fish farming productivity in Mbinga and Mufindi districts as compared to Iringa District. Moreover, the use of ICTs (radio, mobile phones and television) for sharing agricultural information was found to influence fish productivity. Furthermore, other factors including income, family size, use of poultry manure as pond fertilizer and pond size had a statistical significant and positive relationship with farmer’s productivity. Thus, it is recommended that the media owners and other information providers should disseminate more agricultural programmes related to fish farming practices and make sure that such information is disseminated during appropriate and convenient time for farmers