Information seeking by Pakistani farmers: A review of published research

The purpose of this article is to provide a critical review of published research on information seeking by Pakistani farmers, with a view to inform the relevant departments and individuals of the existing situation. The results from the related research are summarized by noting major methodological features and reviewing practical and theoretical implications of major findings. Although the findings from related studies were not directly comparable due to variations in research methods and geographical contexts, it was nevertheless possible to draw some common conclusions regarding the farmers’ information seeking. The results from these studies overwhelmingly show that Pakistani farmers rely very much on interpersonal relationships with friends, relatives, fellow or progressive farmers, and neighbors for obtaining agricultural information. The use of mass-media, both print and electronic, and agricultural extension agents as sources of information was lower than expected. The results indicate the necessity for a need-based information infrastructure for farmers in Pakistan.