Information Use Behaviour of Sedentary Livestock Farmers in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Information is important for all human activities and represents a fundamental input in knowledge creation. Just like in any other human activity, relevant, accurate, and timely information is critical to the success of livestock production and marketing. This study examined the information use behaviors of sedentary livestock farmers in Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria, specifically, the farmers’ perceived knowledge on livestock production, marketing information needs, attitude to, and preferred information sources, information seeking activities, and challenges faced when seeking for information. The descriptive survey design was used. Data were collected, using a questionnaire, from 155 sedentary livestock farmers; who were surveyed using the enumeration method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman Correlation. Findings revealed that highly needed information are information on the livestock market, disease and pest control, information on nutrition and feeds, pesticide, best agriculture practices, and marketing strategy. Television and radio were the most preferred information sources, while extension officers are the least preferred. The farmers used information sources that are easy to use, easily accessible, and trusted. Information obtained and used by the farmers was mostly in respect of pest and disease control, and least in sourcing for labor. Information use was positively and significantly related to farm size, but not with farmers’ gender, age, marital status, family size, farming experience, academic qualification, and farm management type. It is recommended that the activities of extension officers among sedentary livestock farmers should be increased and improved. Also, accessing information by farmers from extension officers should be made easier