Studies have shown that any information and communication technology (ICT) intervention that improves the livelihoods of poor rural families is likely to have a significant impact (direct and indirect) on enhancing agricultural production, marketing, and post-harvest activities. Notable ICT services include: online information services; communication between researchers, extension (knowledge) workers, and farmers; updates on current market information; weather forecasting; input supplies; and credit availability. The lack of up-todate ICTs can negatively affect information access and utilization among information users. The study sought to investigate the levels of ICT access and utilization by researchers and extension workers within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and how this affected the generation and dissemination of agricultural information among researchers and extension workers. Survey questionnaires were distributed to researchers at the various institutes in the five agro-ecological zones and to extension workers in 10 provinces. The study revealed that the role of ICTs in work and as an information channel was considered inadequate despite the indications by the majority of extension workers and researchers that they had access to ICTs. Findings on the utilization of ICTs in managing information generated by the Departments of Research and Specialist Services and Agricultural Technical and Extension Services revealed that while some ICTs were used to generate documents, most distribution of documents involved hard copies. Available ICTs included computers, printers, telephones, television, Internet, mobile phones, and fax machines, and these were considered effective in the dissemination of agricultural information, although the levels of effectiveness varied according to the resources and respondents.
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economies of many developing economies because it contributes significantly to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), labour force, sustenance and exports. The sector accounts for more than 30% of the GDP and 60% of total employment in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. Zimbabwe is no exception; agriculture provides an income to over 75% of the country's population. This paper reports on a study that examined agricultural information and the role that is played by researchers and extension workers as intermediaries for farmers. The study focused on researchers and extension workers in the public sector, covering 16 research institutes and 44 districts. A questionnaire was used to collect data, most of which was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with content analysis used in the case of open-ended questions. Although three different sets of data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation, this paper reports only on the results of the questionnaire which was distributed to researchers and extension workers. The study revealed that the information needs of the researchers and extension workers aligned with the major agricultural disciplines and that respondents were using various sources of information in fulfilling their information needs, ranging from libraries to Internet sources (including databases and other electronic sources), consulting colleagues, workshops and seminars, and personal collections. Dr. Tinashe Mugwisi: Temporary Lecturer ,
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have to a large extent influenced the way information is made available, published and accessed. More information is being produced too frequently and information users now require certain skills to sift through this multitude in order to identify what is appropriate for their purposes. Computer and information skills have become a necessity for all academic programmes. As libraries subscribe to databases and other peer-reviewed content (print and electronic), it is important that users are also made aware of such sources and their importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching of information literacy (IL) in universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the role played by librarians in creating information literate graduates. This was done by examining whether such IL programmes were prioritised, their content and how frequently they were reviewed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 12 university libraries in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned. The findings revealed that IL was being taught in universities library and non-library staff, was compulsory and contributed to the term mark in some institutions. The study also revealed that 44 per cent of the total respondents indicated that the libraries were collaborating with departments and faculty in implementing IL programmes in universities. The study recommends that IL should be an integral part of the university programmes in order to promote the use of databases and to guide students on ethical issues of information use.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial and governance issues that impact on service delivery in public libraries in Nigeria. Within many countries this seems to be a challenge often resulting in an ineffective service delivery resulting in underutilisation thereof. This study was conducted among administrators and managers of public libraries in Nigeria to establish the current status quo concerning governance and management issues impacting on service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study using interviews was used to illicit data from three permanent secretaries, six public library directors, and six heads of rural community libraries, purposively selected for the study. Findings The findings show that variables such as relevant academic qualifications, years of experience, and designation of the administrators and managers of public libraries affect service delivery. A huge dependency on government bodies for decision making and funding was established. Impediments to good management of the libraries were found to be inadequate funding; lack of involvement of stakeholders in public library administration; and inappropriate public library legislation. Practical implications The study recommends the promulgation of a public library-specific act in order to regulate the administration and management of this public unit, involve stakeholders in public library administration, as well as the provision of alternative forms of funding in order to alleviate the dependence on governmental budgets. Originality/value With very little research available on these issues in Nigeria, this paper will create awareness among all stakeholders of specific governance and managerial issues impacting on effective service delivery to public library users so that it can be addressed.
The success of agricultural development programmes in developing countries largely depends on the nature and extent of the use of mass media in the mobilisation of people for development. The media, which offers unique opportunities to disseminate information, can play an important role in informing citizens about social, academic, and economic issues, amongst others. This is also true in the agricultural sector. Radio for example, is an inexpensive medium, and therefore enjoys a wide range of diffusion, even among rural and less literate people who have access to fewer information resources. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the print and electronic media sources are contributing to the communication of information relating to agricultural development in Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was distributed to all media houses in Zimbabwe. The results indicate that there is a significant coverage, by the media, of issues relating to agriculture and the agriculture industry. The broadcast media in particular, make efforts to reach out to a range of audiences who speak minority languages such as Kalanga, Venda, Sotho, Doma, Yao, and Shangaan. However, the media face challenges, including a lack of subject specialists, language barriers, constraints on financial and material resources, and poor road infrastructure that inhibits travelling. This study recommends training, short courses on agriculture reporting, and courses that provide information on the available resources to improve the quality of news and information regarding agriculture-related issues reaching mainly rural audiences of farmers in Zimbabwe.
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.