The study assessed how ICTs can enhance access to agricultural information needed for fostering agricultural production and agribusiness in Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined the role of specific ICTs in agricultural production and agribusiness and assessed the effectiveness of the commonly used ICTs in the creation and sharing of agricultural knowledge and information services. It further evaluated the factors which limit the effectiveness of ICTs in facilitating agricultural production and agribusiness in Tanzania. The study involved a mixed approach in collecting data, relying on a structured questionnaire, interviews, content analysis and observations during the data collection. Results show that radio, mobile phones, television, computers and internet have potentials to transform the sector if they are used effectively. Findings show further that not all ICTs are suitable for all categories of actors in the agricultural sector. Mobile phones and radio were preferred as communication channel among farmers while researchers and extension staff mentioned to prefer using computers and internet. Moreover, some of the ICT applications such as calls, short messaging services and sim-banking were mentioned to be used often. From these findings it is recommended that internet and mobile service providers should widen their infrastructure and reduce tariffs associated with usage of their services so as to increase the number of users of their services. This can enable more information exchange among agriculture stakeholders and this increase agricultural production and agribusiness.
This chapter assesses the usage of e-resources in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. It identifies how electronic resources are acquired, determines the factors influencing the usage of e-resources, and assesses how e-resources are managed and disseminated. The chapter also investigates the efficiency of the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries in enhancing accessibility and usage of e-resources. The study employed a survey in data collection where face-to-face interviews and online surveys were used. Collected data was analysed through content analysis. The study found that all higher learning institutions in Tanzania had Internet connectivity, thus providing an opportunity for usage of online and offline resources. It was found that the usage of e-resources was influenced by users’ attitudes, preference and searching skills, funds for e-resources subscription, Internet connectivity, and electric power. It is recommended for higher learning institutions to invest in ICTs infrastructure and support the current trends of subscription and usage of e-resources.
The recent development of ubiquitous technologies such as mobile computing facilities in developing countries promises a cost-effective approach for learning in higher learning institutions (HLIs). For instance, in Tanzania, new technologies in HLIs are being blended through eLearning and m-learning. However, HLIs are facing challenges in the delivery of eLearning contents due to the distributed nature of learning environments, the advancement of a large amount of data, shortage in ICT resources, and bandwidth. This study presents the state-of-the-art challenges and opportunities on eLearning in Tanzania. The survey results show that above 75% of students own multiple mobile devices that can support access to M-learning. Then, a cost-effective strategy for content delivery supported by mobile edge computing and cloud computing is proposed. Moreover, it is recommended that HLIs in developing countries should enact ICT policy that integrates issues associated with how to effectively utilize the emerging ubiquitous technologies applicable in their learning environments.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.