Information and Communication for Rural Innovation and Development: Context, Quality and Priorities in Southeast Uganda

Purpose: To examine the status and priorities for agricultural information generation, dissemination and utilization in the context of agricultural innovation systems in southeast Uganda. Design/Methodology/Approach: Group discussions were conducted with six communities in Kamuli district, southeast Uganda. The focus was on information sources and linkages, reliability, applicability and gaps. Data were analyzed with NVIVO software. Findings: Rural community members access information from a variety of sources but its reliability and application varies according to the nature of relations with and level of trust in the various sources. Further, community members lack means and capacity to hold accountable providers of low quality information. Information linkages among actors (farmers, extension, private sector and local leaders) were also minimal. Practical Implications: Establishment of feedback loops and partnerships among actors is necessary to ensure improvements in information generation and dissemination for rural development. Originality/Value: This study demonstrates the need for efforts to improve information and communication for rural development in developing countries. Trustworthiness of information sources, strengthening partnerships among actors, continuously reviewing approaches, and addressing emerging information gaps are key priorities. In agricultural innovation systems, involvement of multiple actors in information generation and dissemination is essential.