Sokoine National Agricultural Library Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/90

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Access to, Use and Challenges of ICTs in Secondary Schools in Tanzania: A study of Selected Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality
(Information Impact, 2018) Malekani, A. W.
This study was conducted to establish current status of ICTs in terms of access, use and challenges of ICTs in selected secondary schools in Morogoro municipality. The study was a cross section survey and used self administered questionnaires that were given to teachers and students in selected schools. This was supplemented by observations and secondary data review. 20 teachers and 60 students were involved in the study. The findings indicated that the status of ICTs is not good in secondary schools. Though students and teachers seem to be aware of ICTs, but the schools have no enough facilities for ICTs and the facilities available are not adequately utilized. Moreover, the teachers reported that they have no in-service training related to ICTs in teaching and learning. It was also reported that low band width (resulting into poor internet connectivity or slow speed), lack of standby power, and lack of a policy and training schedule hindered the utilization of ICTs in the selected schools. It is recommended that to effectively introduce and efficiently utilize these emerging technologies, remedies should be made to overcome the stated challenges.
Adoption and use of ICTs by Livestock Keepers for improved access to Livestock Information: A case of selected urban areas in Tanzania
(IGI Global, 2021) Angello, Consolata
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are very important tools for economic development and poverty reduction when used eﬀectively by individuals in all economic sectors including agriculture. Urban livestock keepers need ICTs in their activities so that they can make informed decisions that can lead to improvement of the livestock industry. Despite its importance, ICT use is hindered by several factors including unawareness of the radio and television programmes and lack of computer skills. This chapter reveals the extent of use of ICTs by urban and peri-urban livestock keepers whereby diﬀerent types of ICTs are used by urban livestock keepers to access livestock information, though some ICTs, for example, mobile phones are used more than other ICTs (radio and television). Internet is used by very few livestock keepers due computer illiteracy. Policy implications include improvement of the telecommunications services by the government through relevant bodies in order to facilitate more access to information through mobile phones, radio, television, and the internet.
An analysis of open access scholarly communication in Tanzanian Public Universities
(UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2010) Dulle, F. W.
The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the adoption of open access in research activities within Tanzanian public universities in order to device mechanisms of enhancing the use of this mode of scholarly communication. The study adopted the UTAUT model to formulate an open access research model comprising of six constructs and five moderators for guidance of this investigation. A triangulation approach for data gathering was adopted. In the first instance, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 398 respondents selected using the stratified random sampling from a population of 1088 university researchers from six public universities in Tanzania. The interview involving 63 policy makers and structured records review were also conducted to complement the questionnaire survey. The descriptive and binary logistic regression statistics of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used for data analysis. The study established that majority of the policy makers (90.5%) and researchers (72.1%) were aware of open access. Attitude, awareness, effort expectancy, and performance expectancy were established as the key determinants for researchers’ behavioural intention of open access usage while age, awareness, behavioural intention, facilitating conditions and social influence were found to significantly affect researchers’ actual usage of open access. It was concluded that researchers’ and policy makers’ general perceptions about open access were very positive signifying the acceptance of this mode of scholarly communication in the study area. Current poor research conditions and researchers’ low Internet self-efficacy such as inadequate information search and online publishing skills were cited as the main hindrances for researchers to use open access in scholarly communication. The study recommends institutionalisation of open access publishing in Tanzanian public universities and other similar research institutions so as to improve the dissemination of research output emanating from such institutions. Six areas for further research to establish more insights regarding the feasibility for open access development in the country are also recommended.
Application of indigenous agro-biodiversity knowledge for climate change adaptation and its effects on food security and cash income among local communities in Masasi and Nachingwea districts, Tanzania
(CCIAM, 2014) Malekani, A.W; Chailla, A.M; Wamunza, A
This study was carried out in Masasi and Nachingwea districts in Tanzania to provide empirical evidence of existing indigenous knowledge (IK) related to agro-biodiversity surrounding the local communities and how that knowledge contributes to adaptation to climate changes and their livelihoods. The study employed two research designs namely case study and cross sectional survey. Hence, a combination of tools including semi-structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews were used for data collection. The research findings showed that farmers possess a wide range of indigenous knowledge, which they use in the management of agro-biodiversity, adaptation to climatic changes and for improving their livelihoods. The indigenous knowledge identified include those on soil characteristics, soil fertility and infertility, cropping systems, seed storage and use of wild food products. It was recommended that such indigenous knowledge be harnessed and used in other similar localities to foster ability of farmers to adapt to climate changes and improve livelihoods of local communities
Awareness and use of Web 2.0 technologies in sharing of agricultural knowledge in Tanzania
(Knowledge Management and E-Learning Journal, 2014) Mtega, W.P; Dulle, F.W; Malekani, A.W; Chailla, A.M
The current study investigated the extent to which agricultural researchers and extension workers were aware of Web 2.0 technologies and put them into practice in their daily work. The study involved 107 respondents in the first phase and 148 in the second phase. Respondents were from agricultural research and training institutions as well as agricultural extension departments from selected districts across the country. Structured questionnaires were administered to selected respondents. Findings show that 43.9% of the respondents were aware of Web 2.0 while 56.1% knew nothing about this concept. Facebook and Wikipedia were found to be the most used Web 2.0 tools by many respondents while Delicious, Pbworks, Picasa and Digg were identified as among the less commonly used tools by majority of the respondents. The study recommends the need for providing appropriate Web 2.0 training packages to agricultural extension workers, researchers, trainers and other stakeholders in order to enhance knowledge sharing among them for improved agricultural productivity in the country
Challenges of managing information and communication technologies for education: experiences from Sokoine National Agricultural Library
(International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT),, 2008) Emmanuel, Grace; Sife, Alfred S.
Like many other libraries, the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) has already computerized most of its services. The library has acquired a number of ICT facilities that contribute positively to provision of information services. However, the new technologies provide new challenges related to acquisition, preservation, maintenance and security issues, training of users, and lack of awareness and commitment among key stakeholders. This paper discusses some of the challenges experienced by SNAL, highlights measures taken to overcome some of these challenges, and proposes strategies for proper management of ICTs in libraries.
Contribution of mobile phones to rural livelihoods and poverty reduction in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC), 2010) Sife, Alfred Said; Kiondo, Elizabeth; Lyimo-Macha, Joyce G.
This study examined the contribution of mobile phones to rural livelihoods and poverty reduction in Morogoro region, Tanzania. The study sample comprised of 310 households, 74 focus group participants and 22 key informants. Data were collected through questionnaire, focus groups, and key informant interviews and were analyzed using SPSS and Nvivo. The findings indicate that mobile phones contribute to reduce poverty and improve rural livelihoods by expanding and strengthening social networks; increase people’s ability to deal with emergencies; cut down travel costs; maximize the outcomes of necessary journeys; increase temporal accessibility; and amplify efficiency of activities. The use of mobile phones also reduces costs of doing business and increases productivity by helping rural traders and farmers to secure better markets and prices; and promptly communicate business-related information. Although they enabled rural communities to generate some income through the sale of mobile phone services, the phones had not made important contribution in this aspect. It is concluded that mobile phones contribute to improve rural livelihoods and reduce poverty by providing rural households with fast and easy modes of communication, thereby increasing their ability to access livelihood assets, undertake diverse livelihoods strategies, and overcome their vulnerabilities.
Convergence of libraries and computer centres for African universities: A strategy for enhancing information services
(IOS Press, 1999) Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Matovelo, D. S.
This paper aims at stimulating universities in Africa to work towards convergence of computer centres and library services as a strategy for enhancing information provision in these institutions. It highlights the convergence initiatives in the context of developed countries and gives advantages and benefits of such a strategy particularly in developing countries' constraints in both material and human resources. Despite possible obstacles that have also been pointed out, the paper concludes by stressing the timeliness for convergence of the two services in African universities where IT is now rapidly being adopted.
Creating a core journal collection for agricultural research in Tanzania: citation analysis and user opinion techniques
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2004) Dulle, F. W.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Matovelo, D. S.; Mulimila, R. T.
The major objective of this study was to analyse the citation patterns of agricultural scientists in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: assess researchers' access to information as reflected from citation analysis; establish a list of core agricultural journals for agricultural researchers in Tanzania using citation analysis and user opinions; and find out the extent to which the available information resources meet the research needs revealed by the study. The study involved the analysis of 295 MSc theses and 21 PhD theses submitted at Sokoine University of Agriculture between 1989·1999, and 309 conference proceeding articles published during the same period. It is concluded that generally agricultural scientists in the country had limited access to current journals. A number of options are recommended to alleviate the situation, with a focus on electronic journal provision supported by international organizations.
Dual function national libraries: A SWOT analysis of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Sife, Alfred S.; Ernest, Ester; Bernard, Ronald
A SWOT analysis was conducted for the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in order to understand its strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities and how these affect its performance as a dual function library. This SWOT analysis was achieved through authors’ experience and review of existing documents. The analysis revealed that the strength of the library was on its staff, collection, ICT services and training programmes. SNAL’s weaknesses include limited financial resources, lack of user education programme, inadequate library security, insufficient library facilities and space, underutilization of e-resources and dysfunctional printing unit. A serious weakness is the low attention given to the library’s national mandate, implying that SNAL has not adequately played its role as a national agricultural library. Available opportunities for SNAL include ICT development, legal deposit legislation, joining library consortia, funding opportunities, and outreach activities whereas budgetary constraints and changes in technology are the library’s threats. The library could build on these strengths and opportunities to overcome its weaknesses and threats. Several recommendations have been made based on the SWOT analysis.
Effectiveness of Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in disseminating veterinary information
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Sife, Alfred S.; Chilimo, Wanyenda
The Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) was established by Parliamentary Act No. 21 of 1991, which elevated the former University Library to a national agricultural library. Therefore, SNAL serves both as a University Library as well as a national agricultural library. SNAL’s overall goal is to develop and maintain library and information services in agricultural sciences and related disciplines. As a university library, SNAL aims at supporting efficiently and effectively teaching, research, extension, consultancy and other academic activities of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) consists of many academic units that include four faculties; namely; the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This paper examines the capacity of SNAL in disseminating veterinary information. Electronic information resources available at SNAL are assessed with the aim of examining the coverage of veterinary information in comparison to other agricultural related fields offered by SNAL. Major electronic information resources include: CD-ROMs, e-journals and an OPAC. Additionally, the information needs and seeking behavior of veterinary scientists and students at SUA are identified in order to establish the extent to which SNAL meets their needs. The quality of library human resources at SNAL in relation to their capacity to provide veterinary information was observed as well.
Environmental profile for agricultural production and development of conservation strategies in Mahenge village, Mbinga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture and ARI Mlingano, 1996) Maggogo, J. P.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.
Exploring the use of ICTs in learning and disseminating livestock husbandry knowledge to urban and peri-urban communities in Tanzania
(International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 2015, Vol. 11, Issue 2, pp. 5-22, 2015) Angello, Consolata
This paper discusses the importance of various Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in learning and disseminating relevant information on livestock husbandry in Tanzania. The paper is part of a study that investigated the extent of use of ICTs by urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and how access and dissemination of livestock information could be improved through use of ICTs. Mixed method approach was the methodology used in the study whereby quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. The findings of this study revealed that different types of ICTs were used by urban livestock keepers to learn and disseminate livestock information though some ICTs e.g. mobile phones were used more (92.1%) than other ICTs e.g. radio (21.7%) and television (24.6%). Internet was used by very few livestock keepers (2.4%) due computer illiteracy. It was concluded that ICTs are important tools for learning and dissemination livestock husbandry knowledge, but their use is hindered by several factors including unawareness of the radio and television programmes and lack of computer skills. Policy implications of the study include improvement of the telecommunications services and ICT infrastructure by the government through relevant bodies in order to facilitate more access and dissemination of information through mobile phones, radio, television and the Internet.
From collection management to knowledge management practices: considerations for the Sokoine National Agricultural Library in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006-07) Lwoga, Edda T.; Sife, Alfred S.
In the last few decades there has been a shift from “collection development” to “collection management” to present day “knowledge management”. Developments in ICTs are mainly responsible to the shift. This paper discusses how university libraries in developing countries can transform from collection management to knowledge management practices, focusing on the Sokoine National Agricultural Library in Tanzania. Challenges for implementing KM practices in the universities are also discussed. Recommendations are also made on how libraries including SNAL can implement KM practices, and move beyond the inherent collection management practices.
How public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address information needs of small-scale enterprises
(Sage, 2016) Gichochi, Paul M; Onyancha, Omwolo B; Dulle, Frankwell W
The purpose of the study was to explore how public libraries in Meru County, Kenya, address the information needs of small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) in the region. It was carried out from 2013 to 2015. A quantitative approach and survey research design were adopted to collect data from SBE traders and staff from three public libraries in Meru County. The study found that the business information needs of SBEs are myriad, sector-specific and cut across all stages of business development. These needs are fulfilled by consulting informal information resources and places. The few SBEs traders who were using public libraries for business information expressed high levels of satisfaction. The study concludes that public libraries have facilitative and functional roles of providing business information to SBEs by collaborating with like-minded stakeholders. The study recommends symmetrical dissemination of business information and the re-positioning of public libraries as community development centers by providing value-based and sector-specific business information solutions.
Identifying and Implementing Relevant Research Data Management Services for the Library at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania
(Data Science Journal, 2020) Mushi, G. E.; Pienaar, H.; van Deventer, M.
Research Data Management (RDM) services are increasingly becoming a subject of interest for academic and research libraries globally – this is also the case in developing countries. The interest is motivated by a need to support research activities through data sharing and collaboration both locally and internationally. Many institutions, especially in the developed countries, have implemented RDM services to accelerate research and innovation through e-Research but extensive RDM is not so common in developing countries. In reality many African universities and research institutions are yet to implement the most basic of data management services. We believe that the absence of political will and national government mandates on data management often hold back the development and implementation of RDM services. Similarly, research funding agencies are not yet applying sufficient pressure to ensure that Africa complies with the requirement to deposit research data in trusted repositories. While the context was acknowledged the University of Dodoma library staff realized that it is urgent to prepare for the inevitable – the time when RDM will be a requirement for research funding support. This paper presents the results of research conducted at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. The purpose of the research was to identify and report on relevant RDM services that need to be implemented so that researchers and university management could collaborate and make our research data accessible to the international community. This paper presents findings on important issues for consideration when planning to develop and implement RDM services at a developing country academic institution. The paper also mentions the requirements for the sustainability of these initiatives.
The impact of microfinance on rural China women’s lives: a case study of the pucheng county women’s sustainable development association
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Kahamba, J.S; Sife, Alfred S.
In rural China, women have remained vulnerable to poverty and gender inequality is still widespread. Women’s Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) including NGO-microfinance institutions have been established with the goal of helping women improve their socio-economic status both inside the household and in the wider community. This study took a case of the Pucheng County Women’s Sustainable Development Association (PCWSDA) to explore the impact of microfinance on local women’s lives. The study employed qualitative methods including interviews, focus group discussion and observations. A total of 15 women borrowers, five loan officers and one leader from PCWSDA were interviewed, and 13 women borrowers participated in a focus group discussion. Data were analyzed qualitatively by deriving categories to code the data directly and inductively. The results revealed that microfinance services have positively impacted women’s lives through increased household income, improved living standards, increased capacity of sending their children to school, participation in entrepreneurial activities, and improved decision making power. Lessons learnt from this study include the need to involve male partners and considering other gender characteristics in providing the loans, as well as providing microcredit along with technical services such as training and expert backup support.
Information Literacy Delivery in Tanzanian Universities: An Examination of its Effectiveness
(African Journal of Library and Information Science, 2008) Lwehabura, M. J. F.
This paper presents the findings regarding information literacy (lL) delivery) in four Tanzanian universities in terms of IL content and delivery methods and their effectiveness. Based on a questionnaire survey of librarians and undergraduate students, the study found that the main IL teaching methods used include lectures, web pages and seminars, while content covered in IL sessions include information search skills, use of library facilities, information evaluation, and use of information sources. However, it is concluded that because of a number of factors, including lack of clear lL policy, inadequate time, the teaching of IL as stand-alone programme on voluntary basis, and non involvement of teaching staff, the current IL delivery approach is not effective for imparting adequate IL skills. A new IL delivery approach that addresses the identified weaknesses is therefore recommended.
Information literacy for higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania: efforts and prospects for educational reform in teaching and learning
(Innovation, 2010) Lawal, V.; Underwood, P.; Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Stilwell, C.
This article reviews efforts made by higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania in transforming student learning through information literacy (II). It examines the need for higher education institutions in the two countries to create the necessary foundations for strengthening information literacy programmes as a strategy for ensuring viable transformation in teaching and learning. The paper is based on a review of related literature and observations drawnfrom working experiences in higher education institutions in both countries. It examines some of the meaningful educational transformations takingplace in higher education institutions in Nigeria and Tanzania and makes recommendations for better standards to be developed in terms of curriculum structure and design, teaching methods, outcome assessment and a review of institutional policies and goals in order to encourage active teaching and learning.
Information literacy in Tanzanian universities: Challenges and potential opportunities
(SAGE, 2008-09) Lwehabura, M. J. F.; Stilwell, C.
A study was undertaken in four Tanzanian universities to investigate the status and practice of information literacy (IL)so as to determine the best ways of introducing or improving IL programmes. This article reports on the findings related to challenges and opportunities that could influence the effective implementation and introduction of IL programmes in Tanzanian universities. Data for the study was collected using a questionnaire-based survey administered to teaching staff, librarians and undergraduate students. Semi-structured interviews collected data from Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs) for academic affairs, Faculty Deans, Library Directors and a Library Head. The findings of the study showed that IL was new in the university curricula although some IL rubrics were being practised. Lack of adequate resources, lack of an IL policy, lack of proactive solutions among librarians coupled with the need for adequate library staffing and training, and collaboration between librarians and teaching staff in IL activities were all identified as challenges facing IL effectiveness. Also identified were potential opportunities such as the support by the majority of university stakeholders to mainstream IL and make it a compulsory course. These opportunities would allow the introduction of effective and sustainable IL programmes. The article concludes that librarians should seize the opportunities that are available to spearhead IL while at the same time making sure they tackle the identified challenges.

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