farmers' Information Needs

### **Description of Supplementary Materials**

The supplementary materials provide detailed empirical data supporting the investigation of farmers’ information needs and sustainable Irish potato production in Plateau State, Nigeria. **Table 1** presents the sample distribution across five Local Government Areas, showing a total farmer population of 3,323 and 173 registered cooperatives. A representative sample of 154 respondents was derived using the Yamane formula and proportionate sampling, ensuring adequate coverage of the study area.

**Table 2** describes the demographic characteristics of respondents. The findings indicate that most farmers are aged 41 years and above (41.4%), with males constituting 64.3%. Half of the respondents possess tertiary education (50%), while only 1.4% lack formal education. In terms of experience, 40.7% have farmed for over 21 years, suggesting that respondents are experienced and knowledgeable, thereby enhancing the credibility of the data.

**Table 4.3** outlines key indicators of sustainable Irish potato production. High levels were recorded for water management (x̅ = 3.19), yield stability (x̅ = 3.09), environmental sustainability (x̅ = 2.99), and technology adoption (x̅ = 3.07). However, lower performance was observed in pest and disease management, biodiversity, economic viability, social equity, and climate resilience. The overall mean of 2.95 indicates moderate sustainability.

**Table 4.5** shows farmers’ information needs, with a high average mean (x̅ = 3.44), emphasizing demand for information on improved varieties, quality seeds, soil management, pest control, storage, weather, and markets.

**Table 4.8** identifies major constraints (x̅ = 3.37), including limited access to inputs, pests and diseases, low income, market challenges, and climate change. Structured questionnaires and interviews ensured comprehensive data collection.