Information poverty subtleties of a small-scale farming community in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the information poverty subtleties of a small-scale farming community in KwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were to determine the information needs of the selected small-scale farmers and to determine the factors that influenced the information poverty of the selected small-scale farmers. The study was guided by Elfreda Chatman's theory of information poverty. An exploratory research design employing purposive and convenience sampling selected twenty-six small-scale farmers who participated in the focus group discussions. Data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed a variety of unmet information needs. The causal factors included a lack of financial resources, government support, outdated beliefs, and geographic disadvantage. The research has implications for the execution of development initiatives aimed at providing small-scale farmers with access to information products and services to eliminate information poverty.