Developing Tailored Knowledge Systems Based on Information Management Behavior in Small-Scale Farming

Authors

  • Bineeta Satpathy Bineeta Satpathy,
  • Pundir Sakshi
  • Rozi Afsana

Keywords:

Agri-information, Small-scale farmers, Information management, Farmer behavior, Agricultural knowledge, Decision-making

Abstract

Small-scale farmers play a vital role in advancing agriculture, contributing significantly to food security, rural job creation, and local economic growth. However, they encounter various obstacles such as limited market access, erratic weather conditions, pest infestations, and volatile input costs that limit their productivity. Timely access to accurate information can help these farmers make better decisions, manage risks more effectively, and enhance both yield and income. As a result, there is increasing interest in developing information systems tailored to farmers’ needs, grounded in an understanding of their Information Management Behaviour (IMB). These systems have the potential to close the information gap and drive sustainable agricultural progress. This article defines IMB, examines the information requirements of small-scale farmers, reviews the current systems designed to address these needs, analyses why many fall short, and offers recommendations for improvement.

Author Biographies

  • Bineeta Satpathy, Bineeta Satpathy,
    Bineeta Satpathy is currently working as Associate Professor and Head in the Dept of Agricultural Extension Education at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. She possesses Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Extension with specialization in Rural Livelihood Management from Visva Bharati University, Shriniketan, West Bengal. She did her Master’s Degree from OUAT, BBSR with a gold medal in Production Economics. She has also completed PGDAEM from MANAGE, Hyderabad with Distinction. She has notable contributions in group dynamics, management of farmers organization especially FPOs, information management behaviour, gender research, climate resilient agriculture & institutional innovations. She is a  recipient of Best KVK Scientist Award from ISEE, New Delhi & Best Extension scientist from OUAT. Her area of expertise includes Development Communication, Extension reforms in public & Private systems, and Extension Delivery & Rural livelihood management through entrepreneurship development. She has authored 7 Books, 20 Book Chapters, more than 40 research articles/papers in referred & reported Journals along with more than 40 popular articles in farm magazines
  • Pundir Sakshi
    Sakshi Pundir  has done her Masters from Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University and her internship from MANAGE, hyderabad. Is continuing her research on ‘Stakeholders Analysis of Litchi supply Chain in Bihar’ and has undertaken a research project on ‘Agriculture Extension System in Himachal Pradesh’
  • Rozi Afsana
    Afsana Rozi is with PRADAN a non governmental organization. Has done her Masters from Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University and did her research work on ‘Information Management behavior of maize farmers'. She is currently working as a field professional and working for sustainable livelihood management.

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Published

2025-06-04

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025): Agricultural Informatics

Section

Articles

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