Library and Information Science

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Access to use of agricultural information in poverty alleviation: a case of agropastoralists in Kilosa and Monduli districts, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Silayo, Ephraem Epafra
The study examined the extent to which access to and use of agricultural information facilitates poverty alleviation among agropastoralists in Kilosa and Monduli districts in Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to determine agricultural information needs of agropastoralists, to examine the types of agricultural information channels that are accessible to agropastoralists in Kilosa and Monduli districts, to determine factor influencing access to agricultural information in poverty alleviation among agropastoralists and to assess the extent to which agropastoralists in Kilosa and Monduli Districts use agricultural information channels to alleviate poverty. Multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain respondents. Data were collected through questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews (Klls), and non-participant observation. Whereas quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, qualitative data were analysed thematically through content analysis. Findings of the study show that the majority of the respondents have large unmet agricultural information needs. Most of the popular channels used for accessing agricultural information were interpersonal communication channels, mobile telephone and the radio. The study findings further indicate that access to agricultural information is influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors which, in turn, dictated variations in the achievement of poverty alleviation indicators. Prominent also are improved housing conditions, food security, income, and capability to support attainment of quality education. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that agricultural information for better livestock and crop farming is inadequately met because agropastoralists were unable to consistently interact with different communication channels available for agricultural purposes. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Theatre for Development Technique (TFD), participatory information sharing networks, library services in rural settings and agricultural trainings should be established and used to empower agropastoralists to understand their agricultural information needs and relevant channels and use them for accessing such information. Moreover, adult education programmes in rural settings should also integrate language and information literacy training to empower agropastoralist with agricultural information search skills and techniques.
Accessibility and use of agricultural information among small scale maize growers in Tanzania: a case study of Mbeya rural district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Laurent, Valentine
The agricultural sector is the backbone of the Tanzanian economy. An improved information and knowledge flow to-, from- and within the agricultural sector are key components in improving small scale agricultural production and the whole national economy. However, the government of Tanzania has not devoted its effort to the dissemination of agricultural information, especially in rural areas, where most of people live. As such, this study set out to find out the Accessibility and Use of Agricultural Information among Small Scale Maize Growers in Tanzania, A Case Study of Mbeya Rural District. The study employed mixed-methods research, in which quantitative and qualitative approaches were carried out simultaneously. The quantitative approach assumed a dominant status. Non Probability sampling was used to draw a sample of 60 small scale farmers and 2 Agricultural Extension Officers. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed by using SPSS, MS Word 2007 and MS Excel 2007. The study was guided by the Wilson’s Model (1981) of Information Seeking Behaviour but was slightly modified by the researcher to make it suitable for the purpose of the study. The findings of the study indicated that most of small scale maize growers access agricultural information through their relatives, friends, neighbours, fellow farmers and Agricultural Extension Officers. The most needed agricultural information among small scale maize growers was information about the application of pesticides, the application of various types of fertilizer, information on where to purchase fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and herbicides, new farming practices, weather forecasting, and information on how and where to rent land. The study findings also revealed barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area such as lack of Agricultural Extension Officers, poverty, illiteracy, poor roads and poor electricity infrastructure, being busy with other activities, poor network connection, absence of library and information centres, lack of seminars, training programmes and workshops and lack of printed sources of information. The study concludes that in order to facilitate the accessibility and use of agricultural information among small scale maize growers in rural areas, the government should devote its efforts in the dissemination of agricultural information and management that grow from a clear understanding of what small scale farmers information needs are. The study recommends that the government should ensure that each village has its agricultural extension officers, the improvement of infrastructure in rural areas such as roads and electricity supply, provision of an agricultural information centre or library at each village, that the small scale farmers in rural areas should be encouraged to form groups within the village, information sources should be written in the Kiswahili language, short training programmes, seminars and workshops, and there should be class field (shamba darasa) in each village.
Accessibility of agricultural information in supporting climate change adaptation in Tanzania: a case study of Chamwino district, Dodoma region.
(University of Dar es Slaam, 2011) Mwalukasa, Nicholaus
This study aimed the exploring to access and use of agricultural information by farmers in supporting climate change adaptation in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region. Data was collected from the two villages of Kilangali II and Mvumi Makulu from Buigiri ward and Mvumi Makulu wards respectively. The sample of 100 respondents was used, that included farmers, village Executive Officers and Agricultural Extension Officers. Frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and multiple linear regressions were employed. The study identified that radio, relatives, friends, neighbours and fellow farmers were the most useful sources of agricultural information about climate change. The conveyed sources of information were types of seeds resistant to drought, mixed crops, soil management, water management, irrigation system, planting trees and changing planting dates. However, only growing drought-resistant and early maturing crops, intercropping and planting trees were the major agricultural practices adopted in the study area. Income of respondents has a significant influence on accessibility to agricultural information supporting climate change adaptation. The study concludes that accessibility of agricultural information about climate change and the adoption of recommended agricultural practice in the study area is low.The study recommends that strategies for increasing access to information supporting climate change includes the establishment of rural agricultural libraries and information centres, employing committed and adequate competent Agricultural Extension Officers, provision of printed material, in a language and content relevant to rural farmers and giving more time to agricultural information on radio and television programmes.
Agricultural information needs and information -seeking behaviour of small-scale sugar cane growers in Tanzania with a gender perspective: a case study of Kilombero District
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Siyao, Peter Onauphoo
This study is about the agricultural information needs and information - seeking behaviour of Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers in Tanzania with a gender perspective: A case study of Kilombero District. The study used a sample of 83 respondents drawn from three villages and five institutions. This study used a cross- sectional design while using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data for this study were collected by using structured questionnaires, face – to - face interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS.11 and Excel, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis procedure. The study findings revealed that the most needed agricultural information is information about the harvesting, tons harvested, transportation, dates of payment and actual payment. Informal sources of information are the most preferred sources of gathering agricultural information as they appear to be reliable, authentic and cheap. Small-Scale Sugar Cane Growers prefer to seek information by consulting other growers, listening to the radio, and attending farmers’ association and group meetings. Traditional media such as the radio is mostly used by females. On the other hand females are poor attenders of farmers’ association meetings and they are characterised by fear or inability to ask others. The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area are associated with the lack of means and facilities by which information can be easily accessed. It is therefore recommended that means and facilities by which growers can access agricultural information are put in place, rural women empowerment and involvement in the decision-making process at all stages, and the provision of agricultural information to rural farmers should be gender sensitive.
Assessment of agricultural information provision to small scale farmers: a case study of mbozi district in Mbeya.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Kyando, Kasto
This study assessed information provision to small scale farmers in Mbozi District, Mbeya, Tanzania. Data were collected using both secondary sources obtained from documentary resources and primary data obtained from the use of face to face interviews, focus group discussions, self-administered questionnaires administered with farmers and extension and field officers. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis whereas quantitative data were analysed with the help of SPSS. The findings of this study reveal that, although the majority of the farmers received information from extension and field officers, most of them did not use such information. Some of them did not value information as the key factor in enhancing production primarily because the information they received was not useful. Moreover, the agricultural inputs were expensive and sub-standard. Also right information was not available for production purposes. The study also shows that other channels in the provision of information were not effectively used as only extension officers provide information. Moreover, the small scale farmers were not provided with current information on modern farming techniques, hence increasing the prospect for food shortages and food insecurity. The study concludes that information is needed at every stage of the production process to enhance production through scientific methods. The government needs to support information providers by allocating enough budgets to enhance the dissemination of quality and relevant information. Moreover, there should be a link between information providers and policy-makers to ensure information on effective agricultural production strategies reaches the intended target in a timely fashion.
Dissemination of agricultural research information to farmers in Iringa district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Mubofu., Christian Michael
This study investigated the extent to which agricultural research information is disseminated by extension officers to farmers in Iringa district. A mixed method approach, which integrated both qualitative and quantitative research designs, was employed in this study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 90 farmers from Mlolo, Lupalama and Wenda villages in Iringa region. Thirty researchers were conveniently sampled from the Institute of Agriculture, University of Iringa, which provides training and agricultural research information to extension officers and farmers. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Microsoft-Excel and Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 18 data analysis programs were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data, on the other hand, was subjected to thematic analysis. The study findings found that the extent of disseminating agricultural research information in the study area was low. The findings show the majority of the farmers (33.3%) received agricultural research information from extension officers annually whereas very few (4.4%) received such information weekly. The results further show that the main types of agricultural research information disseminated to farmers were information on improved seed varieties, information on use of fertilisers, information on crop management and information on pest management. The study also established that the majority (90%) of the farmers often received information on improved seed varieties as compared to other types of information. The results of the study further demonstrate that radios, church leaders, village leaders and seminars are the main sources of information used by extension officers to disseminate information to farmers. It has also been established that short messaging services, village meetings, church meetings and agricultural input suppliers are the most effective methods used to disseminate agricultural research information to farmers. The study also found that inadequate number of extension officers, inadequate funding, and inadequate sources of information, as well as non¬ availability of electricity; political interference and the absence of information centres were factors affecting farmers' access to agricultural research information from extension officers. On the basis of these findings, the study concludes that extension officers have not adequately disseminated agricultural research information to farmers. Moreover, researchers from the Institute of Agriculture, University of Iringa have enhanced farmers and extension officers access to agricultural research information. The study thus recommends joint effective efforts towards increasing timely dissemination of agricultural information to the farmers. Also, there is a need to use researchers, religious leaders, and community-based organisations to disseminate such information in addition to repackaging of agricultural research information to tailor it to the farmers' needs
Enhancing farmers’ access to and use of agricultural information for empowerment and improved livelihoods: a case of Morogoro region, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Matovelo, Doris Siima
This study aimed at exploring and testing an intervention that could stimulate and promote the practice of proactive information acquisition by farmers as a strategy for empowerment, reduction of poverty and improvement of livelihoods. It was conducted in Morogoro region in Tanzania in two main stages; the situation analysis survey stage in ten villages, and a longitudinal participatory action-oriented stage which was an intervention phase in four villages. The Village Information Centre (VIC) model was established, monitored and evaluated. This was preceded by the pre-intervention knowledge test in the four research villages and two control villages. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution of variables were computed, a chi-square test and a regression. analysis for selected sets of variables were done. The majority of farmers were between 28-47 years old. Slightly more than half (56%) of all farmers had completed primary school education. Furthermore, 76% of the farmers had functional literacy, and 55% of all respondents had a habit of reading at least once in several months. Close to 90% of all respondents had some printed information in their homes, with newspapers being the most common item. The VIC was highly acceptable in all villages, but the age, level of education and gender were significant factors (p S 0.05) influencing awareness of, visits to and use of the VIC. Farmers revealed diverse and unmet information needs that were not necessarily related to their agricultural activities. The "push" phenomenon inherent in some extension approaches may have led most farmers to develop passive recipience that does not necessarily promote a "pull" phenomenon. Exposure to information is probably needed in order to stimulate a demand for information. The VIC initiative has also demonstrated the presence of reading skills that are under-utilized. This is a challenge and opportunity for information professionals. Therefore it is recommended that documentary information workers prepare a strategy, which will have a complementary role to the regular extension services, on enhancing the practice of proactive information acquisition by farmers for their own empowerment and improvement of their livelihoods.
Information dissemination machanisms in promoting kilimo kwanza policy: a case of rice growing in Mbarali district, Mbeya
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Yusuph, Msamba
This study focused on the information dissemination mechanisms in promoting Kilimo Kwanza (agriculture first) policy to farmers. It investigated the information dissemination mechanisms employed in keeping farmers informed about the definitive “Kilimo Kwanza” policy among farmers. Using a mixed method approach, that is integrating both the quantitative and qualitative elements, the study made use of both primary and secondary data. Its sample was made up of 85 farmer respondents and four Agricultural Extension Officers from Rujewa and Ubaruku wards, who were purposively selected. The study established that the farmers largely accessed information through the radio, extension officers and their relatives. They classified these sources as the most reliable information dissemination mechanisms. The least used mechanisms were identified as extension meetings and word of mouth through traders. Moreover, the farmers explained that they mostly accessed and used information on fertilizers, marketing and types of seed. On the other hand, they identified the least used information as data on types of soil and sources of water. Furthermore, the study established the challenges facing the farmers in the study area face in accessing agricultural information as the shortage of agricultural extension officers, lack of training, and weak farmers’ association. On the basis of these findings, the study proposes the provision of education to the farmers through appropriate training, increasing the number of agricultural extension officers who should not only be readily available but also timely accessible, increased publicity, budgeting and accountability. Such measures can enhance the dissemination of the Kilimo Kwanza policy among farmers.
Participation of librarians in university governance with special reference to curriculum development: a case study of the universities of Dar es Salaam, Malawi and Capetown
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Mwaimu, Pampil Dominic
This study examined participation of Librarians in university governance with specific reference to Curriculum Development at three selected universities, namely the universities of Dar es Salaam, Malawi and Cape Town, and to propose strategies for ensuring full participation of librarians in curriculum development. The study focused on the extent to which librarians are represented in university curriculum matters and university governance and factors that enhance or deter their effective participation, academic status of librarians, perceptions of teaching staff on librarianship as an academic discipline. A review of related literature and theoretical framework provided a basis for deeper understanding of the linkages between curriculum development, the role of librarians in curriculum development vis a viz university governance. The theoretical framework was based on two models, the university bureaucracy model and the university as a collegium or community of scholars. A comparison of the two revealed that the university as a collegium or community of scholars model is the most popular and has been widely applied over the years, creating the impetus for expansion of teaching /Iibrary staff participation in governance matters in institutions of higher learning. An overview of university governance issues and concerns revealed the emergence of governance paradigms which challenge the long standing bureaucratic and scientific views of organizations. The new governance paradigms provide insights into how governance can be improved in institutions of higher learning through alternative methods which create meaningful governance change on university campuses. Empirical Data for this study was collected using a combination of methods (triangulation) and included a self administered structured and standardized questionnaire with both open and close ended questions and library research. A questionnaire was administered to 240 purposively selected respondents, including teaching staff, heads of departments, deans and directors, top administrators, librarians and student leaders. Key findings revealed that librarians are not involved in curriculum development or review due to a number of factors, including inadequate understanding on the role played by librarians in teaching, learning and curriculum development; the peripheral status accorded to librarians; lack of subject specialization, regular and institutionalized curriculum review committees, clear policy guidelines on who participates in curriculum development. Findings revealed that most teaching staff have misconceptions about the actual nature and process of curriculum review and beliefs that Iibrarians are not pro-active, aggressive or assertive enough in seeking serious representation and participation in such matters were common. The study also argues that existing traditional, hierarchical, centralized and bureaucratic library governance structures and leadership styles espouse control and militate against collegial style of governance. Lack of consultation and communication between teaching staff and librarians on curriculum review matters is also a major factor. In view of the above the study recommends that curriculum development and review praxis must be institutionalized and strengthened. This must be accompanied by professional awareness among teaching staff and rigorous training on conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of curriculum development and review. Similarly, a curriculum development and review coordinating committee should be set up to monitor and recommend to Senate policies and positions on curriculum matters. Furthermore, librarians must become subject specialists in order to competently and effectively serve the information needs of their users. In addition, they must be proactive and must develop sustainable links with teaching staff in teaching information literacy skills. The study concludes that university policy makers, administrators and scholars should decentralize existing organizational decision making processes and adopt collegial. Participatory academic management practices to ensure meaningful institutional change, efficiency and effective university governance.
The role of information in improving fruits marketing for small - scale farmers in Lushoto district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Ngogo, Jerome Joseph
Information resources must be harnessed, however at the present the real challenge is not producing and storing information but getting small scale farmers to use information in improving performance in marketing of fruits. This study examined the role of information in improving the marketing of fruits among small-scale farmers in Lushoto district, Tanzania. The study used a sample of 118 respondents drawn from two villages using a cross-sectional design that integrated both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study collected data through the deployment of structured self administered questionnaires that small scale fruits farmers filled in, face - to - face interviews with three key informants, and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed with the help of the Statistical Product and Services Solutions (SPSS) version19 and Microsoft Excel 2007, whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The study findings, show that the informal sources of information small-holder farmers use to obtain marketing information include relatives, fellow farmers, brokers/middle men and traders. The channels of information farmers relied on for information were found to be informal and included traders, customers and relatives. On the whole, the study established that information helped small-holder farmers understand the quality and quantity of fruits required by the market in addition to equipping them with the ability to negotiate forcefully with buyers. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) in corroboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives should develop an agricultural marketing information strategy to cover famous crops, which are the mainstay and source of livelihood of small-scale farmers in different localities. Moreover, both internal and external markets should be promoted with relevant marketing information disseminated to the farmers through various formalised channels that are easily accessible to the farmers such as community radios and notice boards. Also, rural farmers should be educated on and encouraged to use market information from formal sources such as village leaders and ICT-based resources instead of depending entirely on informal sources which at times could be highly unreliable.
Supply and demand factors influencing access and usage of scientific and technical information (STI) among small scale coffee growers in Mbinga district Ruvuma region: case studies of Maguu, Mapera and Langiro Wards
(University of Dar es salaam, 2012) Msuha, Aidan Aidan
This study examined supply and demand factors that determine and limit production, dissemination, access, acquisition and use of STI among coffee growers in selected wards in Mbinga District namely: Langiro, Mapera and Maguu. A total of 79 respondents participated in this study. Of these 60 were small scale coffee growers who were selected using probability sampling and 19 were information agencies (Suppliers of STI) who were selected using purposive sampling technique. Primary data were collected through a structured standardised questionnaire with both open and close ended questions, focus group discussions and observations. Secondary data were collected through documentary review in which both published and unpublished books, reports, dissertations and thesis, government and research reports, journal articles and e-resources were viewed and major points summarized. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. SPSS package version 16 was used to derive percentages, tables, charts and graphs. Key findings revealed that Information is a key ingredient in everyday life of the individual and society at large. Demand factors that determine access, acquisition and use of STI by small scale coffee growers are managerial and administrative efficiency, energy and power supply, inadequate infrastructure, policy and legal frameworks, information format, language, time, price, level of income, altitude, literacy level, culture, type of information provider, competing goal of information provider and level of skills and technology. By the same token, supply factors that determine and limit production and dissemination of STI include availability of resources, trained human resources, managerial efficiency (accountability), production costs, infrastructure, institutional repository, time, price, level of technology, power supply, policy and legal frameworks. The study recommends that efficient administrative support system for agricultural activities, managerial skills, adequate budgets, improved physical and information infrastructure, and close collaboration between information providers and coffee growers is needed. Furthermore, it is recommended that a national policy on information should be formed and the government should invest in education and training of both producers and consumers of STI and in Research and Development.

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