The Analysis of Information Systems and Communication Networks for Organic and Conventional Hazelnut Producers in Samsun Province of Turkey

Abstract

This research presents an analysis of agricultural information systems (AIS) and communication networks (CN) for organic and conventional hazelnut producers in Samsun province of Turkey. Structured interviews were used to collect the main data from 64 randomly selected conventional hazelnut producers and all the organic hazelnut producers (39) living in the study area. The AIS and CN theories used in this research provided the identification of the systems' components and their communication networks and the understanding of how successfully they work and how to improve their performance. The main function of the systems was the dissemination of hazelnut related information. Specifically, the lack of information access and supports from the organic project related, professional and mass media information sources resulted in developing social information sources to exchange information and diffuse technology among the producers within their villages. It can be recommended that more functional cooperation and information exchange between personal and institutional information sources are needed to stimulate conventional hazelnut producers to convert to organic production systems.