Empowering farm women through information communication seeking behaviour: a comparative study across diverse regions
摘要
Farm women play a vital role in sustaining Indian agriculture. Their use of mass media is essential for accessing the latest farming technologies and enhancing their technical skills, leading to increased productivity in both their agricultural and household activities. This study aims to explore and assess the differences in the information need and information communication seeking behaviour of farm women in tribal versus coastal areas. Utilizing a multistage sampling method, interviews were conducted with 240 farm women from the districts of Ganjam and Raigada in Odisha. The research focuses on comparing the information-seeking behaviors of farm women in these districts, examining their roles, challenges, and decision-making processes in agriculture. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews and surveys to collect detailed data on their information needs and preferred information sources. Findings indicate significant differences in the availability and accessibility of agricultural information between both the districts. Coastal district farm women had better access to extension services, agricultural exhibitions, and farmer training programs than those in the tribal district. Additionally, coastal farm women were more likely to seek information from formal sources like extension agents and government publications, whereas tribal farm women depended more on informal sources such as family, friends, and fellow farmers. This study aims to reflect the current knowledge, information needs, seeking behaviour, communication channels, priorities, and strategies for improving information access for farm women.