Perceived information needs and availability: results of a survey of small dairy farmers in Inner Mongolia

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived needs for different types of information by small dairy farmers in the central part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the effectiveness with which it is provided and used. Method. A survey was conducted in four villages in two key dairy producing regions in this part of Inner Mongolia. Structured responses were received from 167 small dairy farmers. Analysis. Descriptive analysis, based on comparisons among villages with breakdowns according to educational and income levels, was performed. Results. Most small dairy farmers regarded policy and market information to be of more use to them than information about technologies. Those who had higher educational levels or earned a greater proportion of their income from the dairy enterprise had greater needs for information on markets and technologies. Television was the main channel by which farmers received their information, followed by information from village government officials, neighbours and milk stations, with very little information coming from radios, newspapers and the internet. Conclusions. Small-scale farmers in the key dairy production area of Inner Mongolia still operate their businesses on the basis of limited industry information but most have recognized the need for improved availability of accurate information and appear willing to share in the cost of providing it. There appears to be an opportunity for government and private organizations to work together to develop advanced information dissemination systems for small dairy producers in Inner Mongolia.