Information access, use and its effect on production and the income of cotton farmers in Punjab, Pakistan | |
| Author | Yaseen, Muhammad |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.RD-18-01 |
| Subject(s) | Agricultural information networks Cotton farmers--Pakistan--Punjab |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in paitial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning, School of Environment, Resoruces and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. RD-18-01 |
| Abstract | This study analyzed the effect of agricultural information on cotton production and income by investigating cotton farmers' access to and use of quality information. Farmers need a range of information, such as weather forecasts, inputs availability and prices, seed quality, tillage and sowing practices, soil fertility management, insect pest and disease control, irrigation management, picking, storage, transportation, markets, and prices, at different stages of cotton production and marketing. Information is obtained from various formal and informal sources. Formal information sources comprise extension services, which include government and private extension services; traditional media, which include television, radio, and newspapers or magazines; and information and communication technologies (ICTs), which include the Internet and mobile phone. Informal sources of information comprise social networks, which include other farmers, relatives and friends, agricultural input dealers, and market commission agents or output dealers. The importance of information in agriculture is widely recognized. However, effo11s toward a comprehensive investigation of cotton farmers' access to and use of quality information from various formal and informal sources, as well as its effect on farm productivity and income, are lacking. The present study addressed this research gap. Based primarily on a field survey conducted in the Bahawalnagar district of Punjab, Pakistan, this study collected data from 399 cotton farm households using multistage sampling technique. Focus group discussions with farmers and key informant interviews of officials were conducted for an in-depth evaluation of existing problems and needs. A composite index approach was used to measure the farmers' degree of information access from various sources. A multivariate probit model was employed to analyze the socioeconomic and institutional factors that influence farmers' use of various sources to access cotton production and marketing information. Social scaling was applied to rate the use of information, and the quality of information in terms of accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and adequacy of information received. The variations in information access, use, quality, and effect among small, medium and large farmer groups were measured using f-test and chisquare test. Farm income, or farmers' profit depending on high and low use of information was analyzed using cost-benefit analysis and compared using t-test. To enhance the illustration and clear findings, the results of quantitative data analysis were suppo11ed by qualitative analysis. The study found that cotton farmers had higher access to and use of information from informal sources than formal sources. Farmers used traditional media, extension, and ICTs mostly in combination with social networks. Furthermore, significant variations were found among small, medium, and large farmers in terms of information access and usage. The empirical results revealed that education, age, farm size, market access, household members involved in farming, access to media and ICTs assets, access to electricity, awareness of formal information sources, and access to credit are important factors that determine the use of various information sources. The quality of formal information sources in providing timely, accurate, adequate, and relevant information was higher than the quality of informal sources. The use of information from formal information sources, though their access is less, have a larger effect on farm production and income as compared to informal sources. The evidence shows that information raises farm income by increasing cotton yield, augmenting prices received, and reducing the cost of production, along with improving knowledge on cotton practices. Recommendations are made for information providers and policymakers to enhance the usefulness of agricultural information. |
| Year | 2018 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. RD-18-01 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Soni, Peeyush;Kuwornu, John K. M.;Vimolwan Yukongdi;Chhetri, Netra B.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Higher Education Commission (HEC), PakistanAIT Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph. D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2018 |