RP-Department of Library and Information Science

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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.
Examining the Relationship between Information Literacy and Agricultural Productivity among Rice Farmers in Kura, Kano State, Nigeria: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis
(International Journal of Library and Information Technology, 2023) Abubakar, Aliyu Haidar; Kamau, Harriet
The ability of farmers to critically determine the extent of information need, access available information effectively and evaluate the information to accomplish a specific farming purpose is known as agricultural information literacy. Agricultural information literacy of farmers is of paramount importance for the growth and development of the agricultural sector. However, despite the richness of Nigeria in variety of subsistence crops such as maize, corn, beans and sorghum, there have substantially been declined in productivity in recent years leading to frequent famine. This study therefore sought to assess the relationship between farmer information literacy and agricultural productivity among rice farmers in Kura, Kano State, Nigeria -West Africa. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 2,836 households within Kura local government with a sample size of 284 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 a structured questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire was 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 information awareness had significant association with agricultural productivity at 0.05 (1-tailed) (r = 0.278, p1560). The study concludes that rice farmers who lack information literacy are more likely to rely on traditional farming practices that may not be as productive or efficient as the literate. They may also struggle to access and use vital agricultural information, limiting their ability to improve their farming practices and increase their productivity. The study thus recommends that rice farmers in Kura, Kano State should be trained and educated on the various sources of agricultural information available to them.
Hurdles to Knowledge Management Application in Enhancing Service Delivery at the National Land Commission Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Current Aspects, 2023) Oduli, Susan; Wambiri, Daniel
Efforts to address the ongoing problem facing Kenyan communities may be summed up by the National Land Policy and the National Land Commission. The issue has exacerbated by the rapid transition from the traditional method of land ownership in Kenya, where land is held in common, to a scenario in which land is held by individuals and the affluent could gain an advantage over the poor without knowledge management and any pushback from the community. The study's focus was on the knowledge management practices used by the Kenya National Land Commission, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of those practices and the services they provide to the general public. Therefore, the study sought to investigate hurdles to knowledge management application in improving service performance at the National Land Commission, Nairobi County. A descriptive survey methodology was used for this study. The sample size was 150 people including NLC managers, customer service representatives, secretaries and customers and it was selected using stratified random selection to ensure that it is representative of the institution as a whole. The study was able to gather both primary and secondary information through conducting surveys and scheduling interviews. Cronbach's alpha was utilized to determine the reliability of the research instruments in the Test-retest technique. Means, percentages, standard deviations, tables, and figures were used to display the findings of inferential and descriptive statistics performed on the gathered data in SPSS (version 23). The biggest barriers that hurt knowledge management implementations are awareness, time, and culture. Many KM programs struggle to gain traction because they aren’t marketed in a way that cuts through the noise and resonates with employees. The study recommends that the organizational management must understand where and in what forms knowledge exists. The organization need to create a culture that values and rewards knowledge sharing, providing employees with the tools and resources they need to share knowledge through knowledge management tools, training programs and communication channels. For the organization to achieve the goal of knowledge management practice, they should enable and promote a culture of learning and development, creating an environment where employees are encouraged to share information to better the collective workforce. The organization should brainstorm catchy terms and phrases to talk about KM, along with a logo or motto that aligns with the organization’s culture and values.
Tacit Knowledge Transfer for Posterity in Kenya: A Case of Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service, Nairobi Kenya
(International Journal of Current Aspects, 2023) Ogoti, Esther Nyabate; Namande, Ben
The study was to examine on tacit knowledge transfer for posterity in Kenya National Archive and Documentation Services (KNADS). Despite the importance of tacit knowledge transfer, little strategies exist on how knowledge is transferred in the Archive for posterity. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of Kenya National Archive strategy on tacit knowledge transfer among staff members in Kenya National archive and Documentaries. The study was guided by three specific objectives, one was to determine the strategies for transferring tacit knowledge at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation services, to examine the barriers of tacit knowledge transfer at the Kenya National Archives and Documentation services, to make recommendations and propose a framework to enhance tacit knowledge transfer at the Kenya National Archive and Documentaries. Descriptive survey design was employed in the study. Stratified random sampling was used as it covered all sections of staff members of the archive that gave a sample size of 150. Both Primary and Secondary data was availed using questionnaires and interviews. The reliability for the research instruments was determined by Cronbach's alpha through Test-retest method where a value more than 0.70 was considered reliable. Validation was determined by the supervisor and data collection experts. Data was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics that was presented in percentage, mean, standard deviations and tables. A pilot study was conducted in the Kenya National Archives and documentation services and data analyzed to ensure that validity and reliability of the instruments. The data was analyzed using SPSS (version 23) and presented by way of means, percentages, standard deviation, tables and figures. The results obtained from the study was used to improve tacit knowledge transfer in Kenya National Archive and Documentation Services for posterity. Among the key findings were that the core feature of successfully transferring knowledge and reusing it is through learning strategy by sharing skills, methods experience and attitudes through tacit knowledge sharing. Other finding is through teamwork, ICT also facilitates tacit transfer, social networking and online discussions and forums among individuals. The study concludes that successful transfer of knowledge is through group learning strategy, through teamwork, proper communication, encouragement and assurance of staff members from losing their jobs after sharing the tacit knowledge with the newly employed staff.
An Exploration of Academic Library Involvement in the Adaption of Open Educational Resources
(East African Journal of Information Science, 2014-02-09) Mutwiri, Caroline; Muhinja, Salome
Library involvement in the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OERs) is critical to their development, use and sustainability in higher education. Academic librarians’ position at the core of higher learning in educational institutions makes the right go between for effective OERs adoption. OER users need to be equipped with information literacy skills such as assessing the quality of the material, its origin, currency, and fit with the students ‘current learning patterns Libraries can offer advice to institutions, academic staff, and students as they engage with OERs. This paper presents an exploration of academic libraries’ involvement in OERs adoption
An Exploration of Academic Library Involvement in the Adaption of Open Educational Resources
(East African Journal of Information Science, 2018-02-09) Mutwiri, Caroline; Muhinja, Salome
Library involvement in the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OERs) is critical to their development, use and sustainability in higher education. Academic librarians’ position at the core of higher learning in educational institutions makes the right go between for effective OERs adoption. OER users need to be equipped with information literacy skills such as assessing the quality of the material, its origin, currency, and fit with the students ‘current learning patterns Libraries can offer advice to institutions, academic staff, and students as they engage with OERs. This paper presents an exploration of academic libraries’ involvement in OERs adoption
Service Quality and User Satisfaction at Machakos University, Kitui Campus Library, Kenya
(IJCA, 2022) Kinya, Constance; Muthee, Daniel
The article examines the affiliation between service worth and client gratification in at Machakos University, Kitui Campus library. The SERVQUAL instrument for measuring service eminence, which is based on 22 questions and assesses a user's evaluation of service quality, was utilized. The researcher utilized a cross-sectional design as an expressive research design in order to offer an overall picture of how service quality affects customer satisfaction in academic libraries. The study's target population was third and fourth-year academic undergraduates who use and made use of the academic library during the time of research data collection. A systematic random sampling method was used to select a sample size of 161 respondents. The primary data was collected using questionnaires that was distributed to the two libraries. The information analysis was done by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that that some library users frequented the library once every week, while others frequented the library daily. They users added that they visited the library because it had individualized attention by the librarians. It was noted that Personnel at the library are well dressed and neat at all times. Another discovery made by the respondents is that the library keeps accurate records e.g., circulation, accounts records and academic reports etc. it was noted that Personnel of library are not too busy to respond promptly to students’ requests. On regression analysis, the study discovered that an f-value of 22.164, which is significant at (p<0.05), was used to establish a significance value of p less than 0.05. Based on the regression equation, service quality will increase by 0.782 (p <0.05) if the other parameters in the equation remain constant. Finally, the correlation coefficient, R, was 0.341, indicating that service quality and user pleasure are highly intertwined. The study concluded that academic libraries ensuring tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy will lead to favorable impact on service quality in Kenyan libraries and specifically the Kitui campus library at Machakos university, Kenya. Study recommended that all five SERVQUAL aspects namely assurance, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, and tangibles be upgraded by all libraries within Kenyan universities in order to improve user perception levels
Opportunities and Fhallenges Facing Provision of Information Literacy to Multi-Cultural Communities: A case of Tana River County, Kenya.
(IJLIS, 2018) Muthee, Daniel W.; Masinde, Johnson Mulongo
Abstract - The existence of multicultural communities in Kenya has compounded provision of information literacy to diverse groups. Opportunities and challenges exist in equal measure. The people’s perceptions, cultural beliefs and practices, religious inclinations and language differences form the basis of the opportunities and challenges. This paper underpins the opportunities and challenges of providing information literacy to nomadic, agricultural and business communities in Tana River County. The objectives of the paper included identification of the different cultural groups, determining of the role of them and identification of the opportunities and challenges. The conclusions include existence of several opportunities and challenges. The multi cultural diversity in Tana River County amplifies information and literacy for development due to the literacy competition for the few existing opportunities. Challenges identified include lack of equity in income and resources, language differences and backward cultural practices. The suggested recommendations include promotion of literacy, translation of information into local languages and aggressive policies on HTPs.
Assessment of Utilization of Open Education Resources by Postgraduate Students in Selected Public University Libraries in Kenya
(IJCAB, 2023) Karitu, Liz Murugi; Kimani, Grace
The demand for university education coupled with inadequate teaching/learning resources such as print resources whose cost among others contribute to very expensive education, has posed challenges to progression in university education in Kenya. As such, Open Education Resources (OER) have been championed as suitable alternative to complement educational resources in learning institutions with relevant, quality and up-to-date teaching/learning materials at little or no cost. Despite the increase in volumes provided freely under the Creative Common licenses, studies have shown that uptake of OER has remained low among students in Kenyan universities. This study therefore, assessed OER use by postgraduate students in three universities which are Nairobi University, Kenyatta University and Moi University. The study was guided by four objectives; to determine the level of OER awareness among postgraduate students, to determine the accessibility of OER by postgraduate students, to determine availability of ICT infrastructure which support utilization of OER and the promotion strategies employed by librarians to enhance awareness of OER among postgraduate students. The study employed descriptive survey design approach. Random sampling method was used to obtain requisite number of respondents. The target population was the 34,445 postgraduate students and university librarians in the selected libraries in public universities in Kenya. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that OER awareness significantly contributed to OER utilization by postgraduate students. The findings also concluded that OER accessibility enhanced OER utilization. In addition, ICT infrastructure was critical in supporting OER resources while promotional strategies that include lecturers influence, policies and guidelines, training, workshop and OER sensitizations contributed to OER adoption. The study recommended that academic libraries need to develop OER policies to guide on utilization of OER. Universities should also ensure there is adequate ICT infrastructure to support OER resources and students should be sensitized on OER, trained on how to use the OER facilities and onsite staff should be available to support the students. Internet and power should also be stabilized in order to ensure accessibility of OER without any interruption
Elearning Induction Model for the Uptake of Online Courses: A Case of Kenyatta University
(IEEE, 2017) Njoroge, Rose; Nzuki, David
The eLearning induction model that is well informed by both the theory and practice is a sure way of being responsive to the dynamism of the educational technologies. Kenyatta University (KU) has embraced elearning as a means of teaching and learning in its various modes of study. The first year students, “freshers”, are subjected to elearning induction in preparation to enable them to adapt to a different way of teaching and learning from what they were used to in secondary school level. Given the complexity of elearning and the changing nature of technology, learners have continuously been faced with challenges of adapting to the changing technological needs of Learning Management Systems (LMS) used in the institutions of higher learning. In response to these concerns, Kenyatta University through its Directorate of elearning uses a Model which is depicted in this paper. This is geared towards ensuring a smooth uptake of elearning in the institution. The Model has led to the establishment of conducive eLearning environment which is characterized by well-coordinated training mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation approaches. The paper depicts how the Model was used to unearth digital literacy gaps, adequacy of elearning induction as well as demonstrate the relevance of elearning induction Model used by KU.
User Information Needs and Reference Services Satisfaction at Selected Federal Universities Libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria
(European Centre for Research Training and Development, 2022) Bukar, Inuwa; Kimani, Grace Wambui; Namande, Wekalao
One of the most important criteria for assessing a library is the level of satisfaction its users express with the service they get. The extent to which the library is able to anticipate user needs and integrate such predictions into collection development is a crucial aspect in influencing the level of satisfaction users have with the library's service. As a general concept, "user satisfaction" refers to how satisfied users are with a service or product they have used; as a more specific term, "library user satisfaction," it is used to describe how happy library patrons are with the library's collection and services. The study used a descriptive survey technique with a sample size of 288 postgraduate students randomly selected from four different Federal Universities in Northeast Nigeria. The data was collected by closed-ended questionnaire, and the resulting psychometrics include a CRV=1 and r-coefficient of 0.83. Frequency counts and percentages, together with chi-square tests at the 0.05 significance level, were used to examine the data. The study established that graduate students asked reference librarians for the same types of information but were dissatisfied with the level of service they received from librarians at their respective institutions. The results reveal a linear correlation between all the factors; therefore, it stands to reason that the chosen universities have the same information needs and levels of user satisfaction.
Awareness and Use of Information Resources to Promote Environmental Protection and Conservation at Kenya National Library Service, Nairobi
(International Peer Reviewed Journal and Book Publishers, 2021) Wangeci, Kuruga Irene; Njoroge, Rose W
Purpose: This study sought to assess Awareness and use of environmental information resources to promote environmental protection & conservation at Kenya National Library Service Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 105 respondents from a total target population of 550 staff members. In addition the five heads of department were interviewed. Data was collected and later analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Frequency count and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Results: Findings revealed that the level of awareness on environmental information resources is low since the KNLS library staff has not implemented methods of awareness creation to users. The environmental information resources in Kenya National Library Service are not located at a specific place but integrated with the rest of the library collection thus hard to locate with ease. The challenges faced by Kenya National Library Services staff in disseminating environmental information resources to the users. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Libraries and relevant environmental institutions need to create awareness on environmental information resources, conduct staff training, and evaluation of environmental information resources so as to access the level of quality and value to the library users.
Approaches Made by University Libraries in Support of Inclusive Education: A Case of Kenyatta University Library, Nairobi- Kenya
(IISTE, 2021) Gichuhi, Zipporah; Karia, Mathew; Kirimi, Francis
Education sector is undergoing major transformations, rationalization, restructuring and redefinition. As an integral part of the university education, university libraries should be instrumental in responding to the changes taking place in university education and play a key role in this process. Although Inclusive Education is a new paradigm shift in the Education sector the provision of information and information services to all users has always been a cardinal principle of librarianship. The study sought to explore the approaches taken by Kenyatta University, post-modern library in support of inclusive education. Descriptive survey design was used. Findings revealed that the library structure was accessible and comfortable. A section on ground floor, well serviced and equipped was dedicated for users with disabilities. Information resources in different formants were available as well as varied Assistive technologies. A selected number of librarians had competencies in use of Assistive technologies. The approaches made by the library were rated as good. The ability to identify users with different forms of disabilities and changing technologies remain major challenges. The study recommends greater collaboration with other stakeholders in identification of special needs users, increase budget and train or deploys more staff in provision of various specialized information services.
Availability and Utilization of Library Resources for Enhanced Service-Delivery of Healthcare Workers in Government Tertiary Hospitals, Abuja Nigeria
(IJAIST, 2023) Okafor, Anthonia Ifeoma; Njoroge, Rose; Kimani, Grace
The study titled availability and utilization of library information resources for enhanced service delivery of healthcare workers in government tertiary hospital in AbujaNigeria was carried out to ascertain the library resources for healthcare workers’ service-delivery enhancement in tertiary hospital Abuja, Nigeria; to investigate if the healthcare workers service delivery is enhanced through using those resources; the problem envisaged by healthcare workers in accessing and using the library resources and possible solutions. The respondents are healthcare workers in the categories of doctors; nurses; medical laboratory scientists and pharmacists. A descriptive research design was adopted with the use of Questionnaires to elicit information from the healthcare workers. The objective of the study was to investigate information resources availability and utilization for the enhancement of the healthcare workers’ service delivery in the hospitals under study. The numbers of the questionnaire distributed are 353; the numbers retrieved are 333. The major findings are limited numbers of relevant library information resources both in print and electronically. Poor internet connectivity and lack of computers, also an epileptic power supply, and a lack of seasoned personnel to pilot library activities. The study recommended – improvement in the provision of current and enough health information resources; librarians to involve healthcare workers in making requisitions in order to avoid irrelevant resources; management of the hospital to vote more funds to the library for the subscription of e-resources in good time.
Strategies for Promoting a Reading Culture Among Secondary School Students in Kiambu County, Kenya
(IJCAB, 2021) Muthee, Lucy Wangechi; Wamae, Peter
This research looked at reading culture within secondary school students in Kiambu County. It discussed the role that teachers, parents, school librarians and school culture play in the promotion of a reading culture or lack thereof. The specific objectives were; to determine the status of reading culture being promoted by secondary schools and to determine the level of usage of school libraries and their resources to support the development and cultivation of culture of reading among high school learners among secondary school students. This research was based on Lee Vygotsky’s cultural historical theory of cognitive development. The study employed descriptive survey design. The target population was 240 students, 24 teachers and 12 librarians from 12 secondary schools within Kiambu County. This research used stratified random sampling. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Through pretest of the questionnaires and subsequent re-modelling, validity of the findings was enhanced. The data collected was analyzed through the aid of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The analyzed data is displayed using charts, graphs, diagrams, tables, frequency tables, matrices, drawings or block diagrams. A significant portion of students loved reading very much at 31%. The hours spent on reading also varied with students (34%) 3-4 hours a day reading, with 30% others spending more than 4 hours a day. All the institutions featured have libraries. Out of the 208 students, 44% use the library hour to read either in class or the library. 20% of others use the allocated hour for private studies. Most of the students (78%) stated being part of a book club or study group. For instance, the study found that out of the 187 students (78%), a significant proportion (49%) used the groups for academic performance. Others benefited through fluency in language, increased vocabulary, better writing, and reading skills, among other reasons. The study proves the popular notion that Kenya's schools and the country have a poor reading culture. Students are forced into reading either by teachers and parents or pressured by the need to pass exams. As such, the most read materials are school textbooks and novels, which also happen to be the most stocked materials in school libraries. Reading should be a personal initiative as opposed to being forced into it. That being the case, students' opinions matter more on making reading more fun and appealing. Therefore, in addition to the importance of school libraries and reading clubs, schools need to encourage peer motivation to read in an effort to improve reading culture. Some of the study recommendations are that there is a need to include an opinion on academic experts on reading culture, government, and parents who play a significant role in the education sector.
Determining Users’ Perceptions of Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence at the Moi University and United States International University Libraries
(IJRLS, 2020-10) Chemulwo, Monicah Jemeli; Muthee, Daniel Wambiri; Maina, Charles Kamau
Research has shown that the focus of librarians is on the library users, and thus the need for academic libraries to continue to develop as service institutions focusing on providing excellent service to library users. The study aimed to establish the users’ perceptions of librarians’ emotional intelligence at the Ultra-Modern and Information Center and Margaret Thatcher libraries, Kenya. The study employed correlation research design. The target population of the study was fifty seven thousand three hundred and fifty three (57, 353) respondents from the selected academic libraries. The sample size of the study was 92 and questionnaires were used for data collection from different categories of users in the selected academic libraries. Validity and reliability of the instruments was done through content and expert analysis and Cronbach alpha respectively. Descriptive statistics method was used to analyze data. The findings of the study established that emotional intelligence is an important aspect in gauging users’ satisfaction and service delivery improvement in academic libraries. The study concluded that librarians should be astute in reading, analyzing and understanding people and situations in order to get headway on the best approach for adequate and effective influence. Therefore librarians should learn and apply emotional intelligence competencies in their service delivery. The study recommended that for the university libraries to influence the librarians’ emotional intelligence, the top management should send the librarians to seminars, workshops, training sessions, assign them mentors and encourage them to help with policy formulation
Evaluation of ICT Facilities and Use by Patrons of Kenyatta University Post-Modern Library, Kenya
(Regional Information Center for Science and Technology, 2023) Adamu, Abu Ahmed; Adekunle, stephen Ajayi
The study evaluates ICT facilities and their use by Kenyatta University Postmodern Library patrons. The study's objectives were to assess the available ICT facilities in Kenyatta University Post Modern Library and determine the purpose of using the facility and the challenges patrons face while using ICT facilities. The study employed descriptive survey research; 120 respondents were chosen as the population. Total enumeration was used as the sample size. A convenience sample technique was used for the study. The study used a questionnaire as a major data collection instrument; it was administered to 120 Kenyatta University Post Modern Library staff patrons through the Google form platform. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis through frequency and percentages. The study revealed that computers, printers, the internet, and photocopying machines, among others, are the available ICT facilities in the Library. The finding also indicates that the available facilities are used for scanning, photocopying, surfing the internet, and researching. The study recommends that the Library should improve internet connectivity by increasing bandwidth. The Library should improve on training the users on ICT skills to enhance the use of ICT facilities in the Library; the Library should seek funds to enable it to acquire more ICT facilities.
The Use of Agricultural Extension Information Services in enhancing Maize Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Tana River County, Kenya
(EAJCR, 2023) Gwademba, Goudian Kilemba; Wamae, Peter Wahome; Muthee, Daniel Wambiri; Masinde, Johnson Mulongo; Adam, Abu Ahmed
Food security assessment reports have demonstrated that, most food insecure people live in rural areas, with no access to information and technology geared towards enhancing agricultural productivity. This suggests that agricultural information is relevant for agricultural productivity, especially for millions of smallholder farmers, who remain the bedrock for food supply chains in developing countries. This research was carried out with a purpose of evaluating the relationship between the Use of Agricultural Extension Information and Maize Productivity among smallholder farmers in Tana River County. The main objective of the study was to ascertain whether increased use of agricultural extension information correlated with increased maize productivity. The location of the study was Tana River County where a sample of 30 maize farming households was purposely chosen for the study. Data was captured using questionnaires and both qualitative and quantitative data was captured. The research took a correlational study design and through statistical analysis using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) and the simple Linear Regression analysis the relationship between use of extension information services and maize agricultural productivity was evaluated. The research findings revealed that, there was a strong correlation (r=0.7) between use of agricultural extension information services and Maize productivity in Tana River County. The strong relationship was significant in qualifying the research hypothesis. The study also underscored the role of ICT in enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural extension information services and recommended the need to streamline agricultural extension service delivery to ensure seamless access to information. The study was significant in that, its findings are expected to enable agricultural stakeholders appreciate the role of extension information services in enhancing agricultural productivity, besides adding credibility to the agricultural extension information policy agenda for smallholder farmers all over the world.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Use for Information Access by Visually and Physically Impaired Persons in Public University Libraries in Kenya
(IJKCDT, 2023) Kiruki, Beatrice W.; Mutula, Stephen M.
This article is a spinoff of a doctoral study that was completed at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) in 2018 on provision of information services to persons with visual and physical impairments in public university libraries in Kenya. The article examined how ICTs such as internet, e-resources and e-databases, word processing, websites and more were being used in public university libraries to provide access to information by visually and physically impaired persons. Data were collected from the visually and physically impaired students, University Librarians, Systems librarians, staff from disability departments and library staff who provided services to visually and physically impaired persons. The findings revealed that the visually and physically impaired persons in most of the libraries could not access information owing to lack of the necessary assistive and adaptive technologies and weak institutional support and framework. The study recommend that the libraries improve assistive technology infrastructure, embrace new assistive technologies such as telepresence robots, virtual realities and more, and put in place enabling policies and capacity building programmes for library staff to enable them to provide services to persons with impairments.
Application of ICTs in Transforming Agricultural Extension
(The Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management, 2020) Gwademba, Goudian Kilemba; Muthee, Daniel Wambiri; Masinde, Johnson Mulongo
Purpose - The purpose of this study was to investigate how extension service providers employed ICTs in transforming agricultural extension information service delivery in Tana River County, Kenya. The study examined how the application of ICTs can help to transform public extension service delivery thereby improving the farmers’ access to agricultural information. Methodology – Data was collected from 456 farmers in Tana River County in Kenya. The farmers were identified using simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings - The findings revealed that there was limited application of ICTs in the dissemination of agricultural extension information in Tana River County, Kenya. However, where application was prominent, an increase in productivity was noted. Implications – The findings of this study may be used by the County Government of Tana River and the national Government of Kenya to improve agricultural productivity in the country through improved extension services. Originality – The study was an original research conducted in a remote food-insecure county in Kenya. It links agricultural productivity to effective access to extension information services supported by ICTs.

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