Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/2

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 84

Acceptance and usage of open access scholarly Communication by Postgraduate students at the Sokoine university of agriculture and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(2011) Dulle, F.W.
Thisstudy assessed the awareness and usage of OpenAccess (OA)for scholarly communication by postgraduate students at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). A semistructured self-administered questionnaire survey was undertaken using a convenience sample of 230 postgraduate students of whom 128 (55.6%) participated in the study. The open access concept was familiar to 58.6% of the respondents; however, although 60.9% of them acknowledged having accessed OA content, only10.9% of them had disseminated research findings through ~A. The respondents' perceptionstoward OA were generally positive. Lowawareness of the OA concept, inadequate onlinescholarly communication skills, and the slowInternet connectivity 'H'erepossible factors affecting the exploitation of OA in the study area. The review and formalisation of the existing postgraduate information literacy training modules at the two universities is recommended in order to improve the adoption of OA and exploitation of the online resources in general.
Access and use of internet in teaching and learning at two selected teachers’ colleges in Tanzania
(2018) Chirwa, M. N.
Recently, the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is inevitable especially in improving education system. It is on the basis of this reality that this paper investigated access and use of Internet in teaching and learning in teachers’ colleges (TCs), basing on two selected colleges in Tanzania. The results indicate that the majority (83.2%) of respondents used the Internet for academic purposes, 61.3% used it for searching news and 50% for communication, slightly more than a half (52%) of the respondents were using Internet for games and entertainments while only (43%) used it for social network. However, the frequency of using internet for academic purposes is not convincing as only 12.5% of the respondents used it daily. There is also limited access to internet and ICT facilities in these teachers’ colleges in Tanzania. It is therefore, concluded that the parent ministry in co-operation with college principals should improve Internet access and use in TCs by ensuring that there is good access to ICT facilities that offers internet services, tutors are well trained on ICTs basics and information literacy, and that the ratio of tutors and student-teachers to computers and other ICTs available in their colleges is improved.
Access and use of mass media by small-scale farmers in accessing agricultural information for poverty alleviation in Tanzania: a case study of Kilombero district
(2014-11) Bernard, R. T.; Dulle, F. W.
This paper reports the findings of a study that assessed the accessibility and use of mass media by small-scale farmers in accessing agricultural information for poverty alleviation in Tanzania. The study was carried out in six purposively selected villages in Kilombero district, Morogoro region. The study used a sample size of 120 respondents. It employed a case study research design and a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data were collected using documentary review, questionnaires, focus group discussions and observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.1 whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results of the study show that radio was the most widely used information channel compared to television and newspapers in the study area. Generally, the agricultural information received by respondents through radio was relevant to their farm activities. Moreover, the agricultural information received by the respondents through television and newspapers was only partially relevant to their farming activities. The study findings also established that the barriers to accessing agricultural information through mass media in the study area were associated with poor power supply, poor signals, high cost of purchasing mass media sources, and inadequate feedback mechanism. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should support rural electrification and improve transport system so that modern agricultural mass media sources/facilitates can be more widely available and used in these areas than presently.
Addressing online information resources’ access challenges: potentials of resource discovery tools’ application
(2016-12-11) Dulle, F. W.; Alphonce, A.
This study was designed to assess the awareness and usage of a discovery tool known as LibHub among undergraduate students in their research projects’ undertakings. The study involved respondents who were randomly selected from purposively chosen four degree courses in the Faculty of Agriculture at the Sokoine University Agriculture in Tanzania. Copies of semi-structured questionnaire were distributed to 200 respondents for self-administration. Of the returned copies of the questionnaire, 158 (79%) were found complete and useful for further analysis. The findings of the study indicate that majority of respondents who knew and used LibHub were those who previously attended information literacy trainings at the University as compared to those who had never attended such trainings. Respondents who acknowledged to have used LibHub in their online information search endeavours cited ability to access information from various sources using a single authentication as the major advantage of this research tool. They also pointed out that a single search interface provided by LibHub saved time they spent in searching literature. However, respondents complained of limited number of computers at the University, few wireless points for internet access, and low internet speed as hindrances for effective utilisation of the LibHub in accessing online information resources. The study recommends more institutions to consider adoption of discovery tools in fulfilling their campaigns to foster the utilisation of online information resources.
The adoption of open access scholarly communication in Tanzanian public universities: some influencing factors
(2011) Dulle, F. W.; Minishi-Majanja, M. K.; Cloete, L. M.
Open access is a means for free availability of scholarly content via the internet. It is an emerging opportunity for wider and unlimited access to scholarly literature. Scholarly communication, through open access journals and self-arching, are the two main approaches of open access publishing. However, this mode of scholarly communication is not widely utilised in developing countries such as Tanzania. This article discusses the factors that influence the adoption of open access for scholarly communication in Tanzanian public universities, based on a study conducted in 2008 using a survey questionnaire. A sample of 544 researchers, selected through stratified random sampling from a population of 1 088 researchers and 69 policymakers at six public universities in Tanzania, provided their views. It was evident from the findings that researchers’ internet usage skills and self-efficacy, social influence, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and the respondents’ general perceptions about open access were the positive factors likely to facilitate open access adoption. The current poor research conditions and researchers’ low internet self-efficacy (such as inadequate information search skills) were cited as the main hindrances for researchers to use open access outlets to access scholarly content It is therefore recommended that university policies on scholarly communication should be revised to incorporate the use of open access publishing. Furthermore, universities should accelerate the establishment of institutional repositories, advocacy campaigns and training directed at researchers, policymakers, readers and information managers of scholarly content, and the improvement of internet speed through subscription to more bandwidth, so as to meet the demand from the scholarly community.
Africa's contribution to the global open access literature
(2018-06) Chirwa, M. N.; Sife, A. S.
This study was conducted to determine the contribution of Africa to the global open access literature. Data were extracted from the Directory of Open Access Repository (OpenDOAR). The findings indicate that only 22 (40.74%) African countries contributed 155 OA repositories in the OpenDOAR. Most of these repositories were from South Africa (33; 21.29%), Kenya (28; 18.06%) and Nigeria (21; 13.55%). Africa contributed 1,024,851 documents in the OpenDOAR, with Egypt and South Africa contributing nearly two thirds (634,025; 61.2%) of these documents. Despite its large size, the African continent had only 4.52% of the OA repositories and 0.14% of documents in the OpenDOAR. The average number of documents per repository in Africa was only 6,611.94 as compared to other continents such as Australasia (752,094.80 documents), Europe (342,896.64 documents) and North America (201,997.12 documents). The top 25 OA repositories in Africa contributed 820,574 documents, which is over 80% of the total African contribution to the OpenDOAR. Most OA repositories in Africa contained journal articles (74.84%) and they were multidisciplinary (61.73%). Overall, Africa’s contribution to the global open access literature is still very low. Efforts should be strengthened to increase the level of research and publication productivity as well as increase the capacity of institutions to develop OA repositories.
African web-based animal health information
(2013) Lwoga, Edda Tandi; Sife, Alfred Said
The quantity of research information being made available on the World Wide Web in various disciplines is increasing tremendously. This study examined the coverage of animal health information published on the web from Africa or about Africa. Challenges and opportunities of publishing and disseminating animal health information online in Africa were also examined. Websites and online databases which offer agricultural information were included in the analysis, but the main focus was on research, education and extension information in the core areas of animal health. Content analysis method was used to determine what agricultural academic indexing and abstracting databases have in terms of quality researched animal health information published from Africa or about Africa. Well-known databases, such as AGRICOLA, AGRIS, CAB Direct, PUBMED and Cochrane Library were investigated. The criteria used to determine the African animal health information included the content of research animal health information available on the website, how easy it is to locate information once the site has been located, the usefulness of the information, and how current and up-to-date the information is. It was found that the representation of African animal health information on the web is generally low. The poor coverage of animal health information on the web emanates from many factors: poor ICT (Information Communications Technology) infrastructure in many African countries, lack of ICT literacy, awareness and mindset, lack of recognition of all the values of information services, poor state of African indexing and abstracting services, inadequate funds, and perceived misconceptions of actual causes of the problem. Thus, this situation has led to the web being dominated by the animal health information from developed countries. Despite the challenges faced by African researchers in publishing their research findings on the web, most animal health scholars collaborate well with some international organizations in disseminating animal health information on the web. It is recommended that the researchers in Africa should fully utilize Internet services to publish and disseminate the animal health information on the web.
Analyzing the usage patterns and challenges of telecenters among rura communities: experience from four selected telecenters in Tanzania
(IJEDICT, 2009) Mtega, W. P.; Malekani, A. W.
The objective of this study was to examine use patterns, challenges and way forward for effective beneficial use oftelecenters in Tanzania. The study covered the following four telecenters, namely Kilosa, Mpwapwa, Kasulu and FADECO ( Family Alliance for Development and Co-operation) telecenters. It was found that the studied telecenters in Tanzania are still at infancy and most do not offer adequate information to communities living in rural areas. Most are still faced with a number of challenges that make it difficult to meet people's expectations. It was concluded that so as to meet their objectives, telecenters should provide information relevant to people's needs, different formats should be used to present information as people have different information searching skills. Moreover; telecenter catchment area is an important factor in building an information rich society.
Application of ICT tools in communicating information and knowledge to artisanal fishermen communities in Zanzibar
(2017) Benard, R.; Dulle, F. W.
This article assesses the application of ICT tools in communicating information and knowledge to artisanal fishermen communities in Zanzibar. The study was carried out in four purposefully selected wards in Unguja District in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The study involved a sample size of 80 respondents. Data were collected by using document reviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Results showed that artisanal fishermen need information and knowledge on weather condition, modern fish capturing methods, market and marketing, fish preservation and processing. The study also found that mobile phones and radio are the most ICTs tools used by the artisanal fishermen. The findings also revealed that communicating information and knowledge through ICT tools was limited by lack of funds, poor network connectivity, lack of training and seminars on the use of ICTs in accessing information and poor coverage on radio and television transmission. It is therefore recommended that the government should support artisanal fishermen in acquiring some of the fishing gears and ICTs tools such as GPS and sonar through subsidizing them.
Application of ICT tools in communicating information and knowledge to artisanal fishermen communities in Zanzibar
(2017-06) Benard, R.; Dulle, F. W.
This article assesses the application of ICT tools in communicating information and knowledge to artisanal fishermen communities in Zanzibar. The study was carried out in four purposefully selected wards in Unguja District in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The study involved a sample size of 80 respondents. Data were collected by using document reviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Results showed that artisanal fishermen need information and knowledge on weather condition, modern fish capturing methods, market and marketing, fish preservation and processing. The study also found that mobile phones and radio are the most ICTs tools used by the artisanal fishermen. The findings also revealed that communicating information and knowledge through ICT tools was limited by lack of funds, poor network connectivity, lack of training and seminars on the use of ICTs in accessing information and poor coverage on radio and television transmission. It is therefore recommended that the government should support artisanal fishermen in acquiring some of the fishing gears and ICTs tools such as GPS and sonar through subsidizing them.
Application of information and communication technologies for documentation and dissemination of scholarly output among inter university council for East Africa member institutions
(2013) Dulle, F.W.; Kaane, S; Nyamboga, C
African and other developing countries face problems of making their scholarly output widely visible and accessible. This is partly attributed to the fact that most scholarly output from this part of the world is documented in low circulating journals and grey literature in print format. Information and communication technologies (lCTs) have been acknowledged to have the potential to reduce that problem. A study was conducted to examine the extent of lCT application by Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) member institutions in documenting and disseminating scholarly output. The research involved 28 (10 private and 18 public) institutions selected from among 67 IUCEA member institutions from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ugandaduring the 200912010 academic year.A combination of approaches including face-to-face interviews, self-administered questionnaires, and analysis of institutional web-sites were used for data gathering. Sixty-one respondents (14 deputy vice chancellors/vice rectors, 22 directors of research and 24 directorslheads of institutional libraries) participated in the study. Content analysis was adopted for analysing data from open ended questions whereas data from structured questions was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) VI6 software. It was established that most institutions in the region were still documenting and disseminating their scholarly output using conventional methods with little exploitation of ICTs. The study recommends the need for the IUCEA and its member institutions to spearhead effective exploitation of ICT developments to facilitate the documentation and dissemination of scholarly output among researchers in the East Africa region and beyond.
Application of information and communication technologies for documentation and dissemination of scholarly output among inter university council for East Africa member institutions
(Unisa Press, 2013) Kaane, S.; Nyamboga, C.; Dulle, F. W.
African and other developing countries face problems of making their scholarly output widely visible and accessible. This is partly attributed to the fact that most scholarly output from this part of the world is documented in low circulating journals and grey literature in print format. Information and communication technologies (lCTs) have been acknowledged to have the potential to reduce that problem. A study was conducted to examine the extent of lCT application by Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) member institutions in documenting and disseminating scholarly output. The research involved 28 (10 private and 18 public) institutions selected from among 67 IUCEA member institutions from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda during the 200912010 academic year.A combination of approaches including face-to-face interviews, self-administered questionnaires, and analysis of institutional web-sites were used for data gathering. Sixty-one respondents (14 deputy vice chancellors/vice rectors, 22 directors of research and 24 directorslheads of institutional libraries) participated in the study. Content analysis was adopted for analysing data from open ended questions whereas data from structured questions was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) VI6 software. It was established that most institutions in the region were still documenting and disseminating their scholarly output using conventional methods with little exploitation of ICTs. The study recommends the need for the IUCEA and its member institutions to spearhead effective exploitation of ICT developments to facilitate the documentation and dissemination of scholarly output among researchers in the East Africa region and beyond
Application of information technology for research in Tanzania: feedback from agricultural researchers
(2002) Mulimila, R.T.; Matovelo, D.S.; Lwehabura, M.J.F.; Dulle, F.W.
This paper reports results of a study aimed at assessing agricultural researchers' access to information technology facilities. It also examines to what extent such facilities are used in facilitating researchers' access to scientific information. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey to 321 agricultural researchers selected randomly at 13 research centres throughout the country. The response rate obtained was 76.3%. Out of 244 respondents, 170 (69.7%) reported having access to internet or e-mail facilities. While 79.3% of the respondents having access to the internet reported using the facility frequently for information search, the e-mail facility was not popularly used by the respondents for information requests to sources outside respondents' institutions. CD-ROMtechnology was found not to be readily available to many respondents because of the unavailability of such facilities at their research centres and minimal use of e-mail facilities for resource sharing with other centres' CD-ROMdatabases. It is concluded that, along with a low level of information technology development in the country, the available information technology facilities have not been fully exploited to facilitate agricultural researchers' accessto information. Some measures to improve information technology infrastructure and its use for improvement of research productivity are recommended.
Application of local agro-biodiversity knowledge for climate change adaptation among local communities in Masasi and Nachingwea Districts, Tanzania
(2014-12) 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 local knowledge (LK) related to agrobiodiversity surrounding the local communities and how that knowledge contributes to adaptation to climate changes. The study employed two research designs namely a case study and a cross sectional survey. Hence, a combination of tools including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, were used . for data collection. The research .findings showed that farmers possess a wide range of indigenous knowledge on agro-biodiversity which they use in adapting to climatic changes. The type of 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 promoted and used in other similar localities to foster the farmers' ability to adapt to climate changes.
Assessing the efficacy of electronic document management system in records management at Sokoine University of Agriculture
(University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2022) Malekani, Andrew; Alphonce, Alex Bahame
This study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in the year 2022. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of EDMS in accessibility and use of records at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study was geared to find out the way EDMS is used in accessing and using documents at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study used a cross section research design where by the data were collected at one time based on two approaches which are qualitative and quantitative. The study used a sample size of 100 respondents who were all SUA staff. 100 respondents were selected by using purposive sampling techniques, simple random and systematic random sampling from a population of 1300 SUA staff who. Results indicate that the use of SUA – EDMS is not difficult because majority of them (100%) reported that they are using EDMS. The study revealed that only leave of absence was a major document accessed using EDMS followed by annual leave and maternity leave. It was therefore concluded that the adoption of EDMS has to some extent reduced paper work in managing records at SUA. However, respondents were of the opinion that EDMS should improve on accessing other documents in the system like paternity leave, study leave and imprest forms. Moreover, EDMS should be improved to ensure EDMS is stable and available all the time, improving internet bandwidth speed, stability of power supply as well as find other alternatives for power supply. The EDMS should allow users to recover their own passwords instead of depending on system administrator to assign passwords all the time. But also regular training should be provided on how to use EDMS and change management.
Assessment of access and use of school library information resources by secondary schools students in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania.
(2014) Benard, R.; Dulle, F. W.
The paper reports results of a study on “Access and Use of School Library Information Resources by Secondary Schools Students in Morogoro Municipality Tanzania”. The main objective of this study was to assess access and use of library information resources by students of secondary schools in Morogoro Municipal. The study comprised of the following specific objectives; to investigate access and use of school library information resources by the secondary school students; to determine the level of satisfaction of students towards school library information resources and to find out challenges facing students in the use of school library and how to address such challenges. The study was carried out in five purposefully selected advanced level schools in Morogoro Municipality. Simple random sampling was used to select 30 respondents from each selected school to make a sample size of 150 respondents. The study employed a case study research design and used combination of methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected by using documentary review, questionnaires, interviews and personal observations. Quantitative data was analysed by using SPSS, while content analysis was adopted for qualitative data. Key findings revealed that the most frequently used library information sources by secondary students are only books and novels. Moreover, other library information resources, such as atlas and maps, dictionaries, novels, audio visuals and poetry were not accessible by students hence those sources were not satisfactory to meet their information needs. The findings further revealed that secondary school students face many constraints in using school library including lack of current and up to date reading materials, restricted reading hours, lack of sitting facilities, and lack of informational professional/ librarian for processing materials. The study conclude that for effective use of Schools Libraries by the secondary school students, there is need for current and adequate school library information resources, provision of accommodation facilities, provision of professional school librarians to manage libraries and conducive reading environment. These could be done in collaboration with all stakeholders in secondary education in the country. However, the study recommended that adequate provision of fund is necessary for the provision of current and up to date information resources and also for the employment of qualified and trained teacherlibrarian.
Assessment of information needs of rice farmers in Tanzania; A case study of Kilombero District, Morogoro
(Library Ph ilosophy a nd P ractice ( e-j ournal), 2014) Benard, Ronald; Frankwell, Dulle; Ngalapa, Honesta
This paper aims at assessing the information needs of rice farmers in Tanzania using rice producers in Kilombero District as a case study. The study was carried out in four purposefully selected villages in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region. The study used a sample size of 80 respondents. The study employed a case study research design and used a combination of methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data were collected by using documentary review, questionnaires, focus group discussions and personal observations. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed that rice farmers have a wide variety of information needs including information on marketing, weather condition, agricultural credit/loan, new seeds, storage method, planting methods, diseases and pest control, and pesticide availability and its application. Key sources of information used by farmers are their family or parents, personal experience, neighbors and agriculture extension officers. The study findings also revealed that the barriers to accessing agricultural information in the study area are associated with lack of information services, inadequate number of extension agents, inadequate funds, lack of awareness of information sources and information not easily accessible. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for government and other institution responsible to lay more emphasis on sustainable practices on information accessibility to rice farmers and also to disseminate information to them and address their information needs properly.
Capacity building modules for public libraries to support small-scale business enterprises in Meru County, Kenya
(2017-06) Gichohi, P. M; Onyancha, O. B.; Dulle, F. W.
The lack of well-structured capacity building programmes is a serious drawback to the effective development of small-scale business enterprises (SBEs) in Kenya. Public libraries as community information centres can collaborate with other stakeholders in facilitating the required skills. This study investigated the training needs of SBE traders and public library staff with the aim of proposing capacity building modules that can be considered by public libraries in Meru County, Kenya in their endeavour to support the SBEs. In implementing the study, a mixed methods approach was used and the survey research design adopted. Cluster and systematic sampling techniques were used in getting 355 SBE traders while census was used on twenty-one library staff and on two staff from Meru County government. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect the required data. The response rate was 83.4% and 95% for SBE traders and public library staff respectively. Descriptive statistics and thematic techniques were used to analyse the data. We used the findings of this study and the scholarly insights from previous studies to propose two sets of capacity building modules: for SBE traders and for the public library staff. The training areas comprise business information literacy, technology competency, and nature of information in the business domain. We recommend the adoption of the proposed modules in public libraries in Kenya in elevating support and value contribution in the development of the small business community. We further recommend a training policy for SBEs and the recruitment of experienced, skilled and knowledgeable business librarians.
Challenges associated with the use of information and communication technologies in information sharing by fish farmers in the Southern highlands of Tanzania
(Emerald, 2020) Dulle, F. W.; Lamtane, H.; Benard, R.
Purpose – This paper aims to examine the challenges facing fish farmers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in information sharing on fish farming. Design/methodology/approach – This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. It involved 240 fish farmers who were randomly selected. Questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), observation and key informant’s interviews were used as methods of data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings – It was found that the most frequently used ICTs by fish farmers in sharing agricultural information were mobile phones, radio and television. Also, the study revealed that major challenges facing fish farmers in sharing information include unfavourable radio or television broadcasting time, high cost of acquiring and maintenance of ICT facilities, lack of training on ICT, poor network connectivity and low level of literacy. Moreover, it was further found that there was negative significant relationship (P < 0.05) between challenges associated with the use and degree of ICT usage by fish farmers. Originality/value – The study is original with the exception of areas where citations have been made. Besides, it provides awareness and understanding of the challenges facing fish farmers in ICT usage in information sharing on fish farming, and this will enable improvement of timely provision and access to relevant information and hence improved fish farming production.
Challenges of school libraries and quality education in Tanzania: A review
(2019) Mubofu, C.; Malekani, A.
Quality education is fundamental for pupils’ advancement in any country. School libraries are said to be the second class for pupils because of the important role they play in enhancing the quality of education. School libraries are the avenues for cultivating pupils’ morals, the important facade for improving pupils’ education quality and for effective facilities for developing special technical education, serving as a friendly place for increasing pupils’ total education quality. The general idea for school libraries is to intensify the quality of education in schools through provision of adequate facilities such as chairs, tables, textbooks and qualified library staff to guide pupils in appropriate usage of libraries for better performance and hence lead to quality education in the country. Despite of the tremendous contribution of school libraries in increasing the students’ performance it has been discovered that this role is not recognized by most of the government officials. The challenges such as staffing, funding, lack of standard library building and frequent change in curriculum that affects collection development need to be addressed by the government if at all the country has to provide quality education to her citizens.

Browse

Browsing Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection by Title