Livelihood information and knowledge needs, access, and exchange in rural communities in the Bunda District, Tanzania

Abstract

Regardless of deliberate efforts by the government of Tanzania to enhance accessibility and usability of information and knowledge, a divide persists regarding resources between rural and urban areas as evidenced by poverty in rural areas. This article investigates livelihood information and knowledge needs, access, and exchange among rural communities in the Bunda District of Tanzania. A mixed research approach was used to collect, analyse, and present field data. Findings illustrate livelihood information and knowledge needs among rural dwellers, and the sources and mechanisms used to access, exchange, and use it, are diverse. Further, factors impeding effective exchange of information and knowledge include provision of irrelevant and untimely information and knowledge presented in user-unfriendly packages that hamper decision-making on livelihood matters.