Browsing by Author "Ndenje, Esther"

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    Information needs of women in small-scale businesses in Tanzania: a case study of Dar es Salaam region.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Ndenje, Esther
    This study was undertaken to identify the information needs of women in small-scale businesses in Tanzania. The study investigates the information needs, information seeking behaviour, and sources of information for women in small-scale businesses, problems encountered in accessing information and their training needs. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam Region, Kinondoni District. The survey method was used for data collection. The instruments used to administer the survey were questionnaire, observation, interview and focus group discussion. These methods enabled the researcher to collect intended data which helped in analyzing the demographic characteristics of the respondents, their behaviour and their attitudes concerning the information needs of women in small-scale businesses. The findings of the study revealed that access to information is one among several problems, which faced women in the development of their businesses. It revealed that women need information on business skills and opportunities, market, news in general and information on science and technology, but such information is inaccessible to them. Based on the findings, this study therefore recommends the following. (i) There is a need to provide an information service supporting women in small-scale businesses. The service should have adequate materials representing a wide range of information needs. (ii) Women should also undergo seminars and training on business management techniques in order to manage their small-scale businesses efficiently and effectively. The government and non-governmental organizations should set aside funds for training of women in small-scale businesses. Lastly, this study suggests that future research should seek to investigate into factors that affect growth of women's businesses, with regard to information provision.