Factors influencing effective application and use of information and communication technology in Tanzania: a case study of two academic libraries and four information centres in Dar es Salaam
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Date
2000
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Publisher
University of Dar es salaam
Abstract
This study attempts to investigate the factors influencing effective application and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Tanzania. The development of ICT was expected to affect social, economic, political and cultural aspects. In this study, ICT's acquisition processes, education and training, ICT policies, and management set up factors were hypothesized to affect application and use of ICT. The study was conducted at six institutions; two academic and four information centres. These institutions are the University of Dar es Salaam Library (UDSM Library), Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Tanzania Information Services (TIS) Tanzania, Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Bank of Tanzania (BOT). Questionnaires, observations and some informal discussion on ICT were employed as methods of data collection. The findings of this study show that lack of proper infrastructure, funds, managerial skills, ICT equipment, and lack of national ICT policy inhibit effective application and use of ICT. Other factors are poor training and education conditions, inadequate training facilities, lack of ICT knowledge and awareness, and lack of ICT curriculum. In addition, poor environment for equipment installations and lack of commitment (interest) has all been identified to hinder effective ICT application and use in Tanzania. In concluding the study, four aspects were discussed as the key factors inhibiting effective application and use of ICT. These are the acquisition, education and training, national policy and ICT management set up. All these relate to political, social and cultural sectors in sectors in which ICT can play a vital role for better development. Recommendations were made to the government, institutions and individuals as strategies for improving and creating awareness on effective ICT's application and use to facilitate ICT's development in Tanzania. These are: a) ICT's evaluation throughout the country so as to implement strategies on its improvement; b) ICT's education and training, as mandatory at all levels of education; c) National policy on ICT's acquisition to ensure adequate facilities; d) Formulating a national board, having the responsibility to advice and evaluate the ICT processes in the country; e) Full support from the government during ICT acquisition and the implementation processes; f) Improving ICT infrastructure, communications industry; and g) Affordable ICT services in terms of user charges for e-mail services, fax, telex and computer courses.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF Z699.5.T34M59)
Keywords
Information storage and retrieval systems, Academic libraries, Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Computer programs, Information technology
Citation
Mnyanyi, Z. V.G (2000) Factors influencing effective application and use of information and communication technology in Tanzania: a case study of two academic libraries and four information centres in Dar es Salaam, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam