Browsing by Author "Wamae, Peter"

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    Examining the Level of Rice Farmers’ Awareness about Sources of Agricultural Information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria
    (International Journal of Current Aspects, 2023) Abubakar, Aliyu Haidar; Wamae, Peter
    Agricultural information is essential to effective farming activities and related decisions, however, farmers need to find the best sources of agriculture information. Despite numerous sources of information, rice farmers still find it challenging to identify convenient information sources due to time and cost effectiveness. The purpose of this study was thus to examine the level of rice farmers’ awareness about the sources of agricultural information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria -West Africa. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 2,203 households with a sample size of n = 220 heads of farmers’ household. The sample size determination was based on Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table for ±5% precision and 95% confidence levels. The study utilized Questionnaire, for data collection. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure it measures the expected objectives. Data on farmers’ demographic profile were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages then translated on tables and graphs. While the study objective was analysed quantitatively based on the study design. The study findings revealed that the sources of agricultural information farmers in Bunkure were aware of included agricultural agents at 31%, radio 19%, farmer association 16%, agricultural show 12%, and TV 6%, farmers groups 4%, newspaper 3%, Facebook 3%, agricultural database 2.6%, library 2.4% and internet 2.4%. The study also found that information awareness had significant association with agricultural productivity at 0.05 (1-tailed) (r = 0.278, n =634, p<1268). The study concludes that most of the rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria are aware of multiple sources of agricultural information and awareness of sources of agricultural information is essential for these rice farmers to improve their production and profitability. The study thus recommends that the government and other stakeholders should use a participatory approach in involving rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State.
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    Implementation of Electronic Medical Records in Kenyan Public Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities
    (Kenyatta University, 2015-05) Wamae, Peter
    An Electronic Medical Record (EMR), a computer system composed of the clinical data repository, clinical decision support, controlled medical vocabulary, order entry, and pharmacy module has become a growing subject of debate in the world today. While EMRs hold great promise, few studies have been conducted on their implementation and outcome. Despite the fact that Kenya has made tremendous steps in Information Communication Technology (ICT) as demonstrated by the growing number of telephone lines, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the number of Internet users, broadcasting stations, mobile phones and the growing competition by mobile service providers, and development of National EMR standards, there has been no noticeable penetration of ICT in public hospitals. To unearth the issues surrounding implementation of EMR in Kenyan Public hospitals, this study aimed at exposing technical and socio-economic challenges during pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation stages in Kenya. It also examined opportunities for EMR which can be utilized to improve healthcare. Towards this end, the study employed a descriptive approach to systematically study and describe the existing medical records management systems, the available electronic infrastructure, attitudes towards EMR and the expected EMR by-products. Structured and unstructured inquiry methods were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 685 (Strategic Managers, Doctors, Nurses and Health records and Information Officers) drawn from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Rift Valley, Embu and Nyeri Provincial General Hospitals, Naivasha District hospital and Thika, Level 5 Hospital, and Meru Level 5 Hopital. Data was analyzed to determine the respondents’ view on the procedures that were followed during EMR implementation, the existing EMR functionalities, user satisfaction with EMR output, and to look for EMR implementation trends and patterns. The key findings of the research included low consideration of financial strategies for EMR funding and sustainability, low utilization of existing national EMR standards, a disconnect between strategic managers and EMR users especially in the area of user involvement, Low EMR impact on healthcare services, and low reliability of EMR as evidence, maintenance of authentic records and lack of other records management functions such as appraisal, disposal and permanent retention of records among others. Based on the findings, the study recommends more sensitization on National EMR standards at both strategic and users level to ensure EMR quality, appropriate involvement of users and all stakeholders in all stages of implementation to enhance requirements analysis, ownership of system and utilization. The study also recommends before and after studies in health facilities implementing EMRs in order to ensure early corrective measures and control of the implementation process.
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    Implications of ICT Usage in Agricultural Extension Information Service Delivery in Tana River County, Kenya
    (Eastern Africa Journal of Contemporary Research (EAJCR), 2020) Gwademba, Goudian; Muthee, Daniel Wambiri; Wamae, Peter
    This study sought to establish the effects of ICT usage in agricultural extension information service delivery to farmers in Tana River County. Specifically, the study assessed the distribution of farmers across zones with varying ICT agricultural extension information services access within Tana River County; the nature and level of ICT agricultural extension information services accessed by farmers; and the extent to which agricultural production levels by farmers in Tana River County has been enhancement by access to ICT extension information services. The findings of this study indicate that a wide range of agricultural extension information services such as agricultural insurance, access to supplies credit and mobile banking as well as information on weather patterns, crop/livestock husbandry, markets, production forecasts and record keeping are effectively disseminated to farmers through ICT platforms such as cell phones, the internet, radio and television through customized messaging and this greatly empowers farmers to adopt better farming practices and improves agricultural productivity. It is recommended that agricultural extension officers should encourage and where possible facilitate more farmers to subscribe to ICT extension service platforms to enhance agricultural productivity. The findings of this study indicate that ICT tools such as cell phones, internet, radio and television, when properly applied in agricultural extension services, could greatly inform farming decisions and thereby enhance agricultural productivity. There is therefore need for agricultural extension officers to encourage and where possible facilitate more farmers to subscribe to ICT extension information services platforms to enhance agricultural productivity.
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    Utilization and Dissemination of Information Resources in District Information and Documentation Centres in Kisumu County, Kenya
    (IJCAB Publishing Group, 2020) Wesonga, Doris Nellyanne; Wamae, Peter
    Access to government-related information through District Information and Documentation Centres (DIDCs) is essential in monitoring development programs in counties and the nation at large. However, Kenyans remain detached from the government because of low levels of accountability. Low levels of accountability are associated with corruption, mismanagement, and poor service delivery which are likely to slow down development projects in the sub-counties. This study sought to assess utilization and dissemination of information resources in DIDCs in Kisumu County. This study aimed to: determine the level of awareness among users of DIDCs, establish the extent to which users utilize DIDCs, describe the strategies that DIDC staff employ to facilitate user utilization of information resources in DIDCs, and examine the challenges that DIDC staff face in providing information to users. The study was guided by Richard Oliver’s Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory. This study employed the descriptive survey design and mixed-methods approach to investigate the research objectives. The study was conducted in four sub-counties of Kisumu County: Kisumu Central, Seme, Muhoroni, and Nyando. The sub-counties were purposely selected because they host DIDCs in densely populated areas in their respective ministries with a target population of 205,935. Using Taro Yarmane’s formula, the study used a sample of 400 users and 20 DIDC staff. Random sampling was used to select participants of the study. DIDC User Questionnaires and DIDC Staff Interview Schedule were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The data collection instruments were piloted with 10% of the participants. Reliability was determined using the test-retest method. Construct validity of the data collection instruments was ensured by deriving the questionnaire items from evidence presented in literature relevant to this study. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics like frequency tables and percentages. Qualitative data was categorized into themes and sub-themes as they emerged to make meaningful narratives for purposes of triangulating the quantitative results. Findings suggest that a significant number of users lack awareness on the products and services offered by DIDCs. This is associated with reduced visits and utilization of information resources in DIDCs. The study recommends use of workshops and open-days to create awareness about the products and services, and adequate funding for staffing and procurement of current and relevant documents. Librarians, information technologists, and records management personnel, and policy makers may use the findings of this study to improve service delivery for user awareness and utilization, and enhance users’ experiences in using government documentation centres for information seeking