Factors influencing dissemination and utilization of research findings: a case study of selected research institutions and government ministries located in Dar es Salaam.

This study examines the factors influencing dissemination and utilization of research findings. The study was conducted in four research institutions and three government ministries located in Dar es Salaam. Data was collected using questionnaire and interviews. The study revealed that researchers and policymakers disseminate and access research findings through workshops and seminars, conferences and symposiums and research reports. Institutional websites have also been used minimally as the channel of dissemination and access of research findings. CD-ROMs are not used as the channel of dissemination and access of research findings. The research showed that the lack of clear institutionalized channels of communication and collaboration between researchers and policymakers limited the successful dissemination and utilization of research findings. Policymaker’s lack of enough time to read research reports and respect for research also limits the extent to which research is used in policy formulation and development programme. Lack of enough funds and appropriate skills for disseminating research findings is another factor that negatively affects the use of research findings. Research findings are also reported to lack concrete policy recommendations and are often of poor quality and are presented in academic formats. Among the recommendations made are; first, increased participation in seminars and policy dialogue as a key method that could facilitate dissemination and utilization of research findings. Second the increased use of ICT as a tool for disseminating and accessing of research findings.