Access to and Usage of Information among Rural Communities: a Case Study of Kilosa District Morogoro Region in Tanzania

Abstract

The study investigates how rural communities in Kilosa District of Morogoro region in Tanzania access and use information. Specifically, the study identifies the information needs of rural people, determines the factors influencing the choice of information source, and assesses the appropriateness of the information sources based on usefulness and preference. Choice of the study area was based on the availability of multiple information sources information seekers could consult. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting villages to be investigated and respondents to be interviewed. Findings showed that there was a strong need for information of all types. Most of the information needed related to day-to-day problems. Information was accessed mainly through radio, television, newspapers and magazines, and also through cell phones and face-to-face communication. Choice of information sources was influenced by the respondents' level of education, income, sex, age, occupation and the distance from the information seeker's location to the information sources. Further, findings showed that while people accessed and used information primarily for solving day-to-day problems, they also accessed it for leisure purposes. The study recommends that it is important to have frequent rural information needs assessments before providing information services to rural areas. Information providers should repackage information in appropriate forms suitable for rural communities. Moreover, radio and television stations should have sufficient rural related programming, and it should be broadcast at appropriate times.

Analysis of factors influencing information access among rural communities in Tanzania

“…Study by Ronald et al (2014) and Mtega (2012) realised that, rural area natives like farmers are not accessing sufficient information which could help them in decision making and yield improvement. There are a number of studies which focused on analysis of factors which influence information accessibility in rural community.…”

“…For example, higher penetration of smart phones in rural area implies that there is a higher accessibility of information since rural people can surf online and get more information. Also, the presence of electricity supports uses of radio, TV and computer since more information can be accessed (Mtega, 2012).…”

The Information Practices of the Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

“…Several studies, such as Momodu (2002), Kalusopa (2005), Mtega (2012), Benard , Dulle and Ngalapa (2014), Owolade and Kayode's (2012), report the information practices of various rural populations including farmers, snail farmers, rural women, and cottage industry professionals. This section briefly illustrates the core findings of some of the studies conducted on rural dwellers in various countries.…”

“…In Zambia, a study by Kalusopa (2005) reports farm management, dairy management, and poultry equipment and technology are the three essential areas of information needs of small-scale farmers who participated in the study. In Tanzania, a study by Mtega (2012) reports that information related to market, health, political, credit, leisure, and agricultural husbandry practices were some of the information need of the rural population studied. The participants of the Mtega's (2012) study indicated radio, face-to-face communication, mobile phones, television, and newspapers as some of their information sources.…”

“…Momodu (2002) highlights that illiteracy is one of the main barriers to fulfilling information needs of the rural populations. Mtega (2012) indicates that respondents' occupation, age, and level of education influence the need for some types of information. A study by Saleh and Lasisi (2011) highlight illiteracy, attitudes of extension workers and poverty as some of the barriers to information access by rural women in Nigeria.…”