Information Studies

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Understanding knowledge systems and what works to promote science technology and innovation in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda – insights from the Knowledge Systems Innovation Project (KSI). Policy brief for Tanzania
(FCDO, 2020) Atela, Joanes; Ndege, Nora; Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a key enabler for transformation in achieving Tanzania's vision 2025, the country’s long-term framework for development. The vision places emphasis on the role of research and innovation; local entrepreneurship and technological development to transform the country from a low productivity agricultural economy into a semi-industrialized economy. This ambition resonates with the aspirations of African Union Agenda 2063, the STISA 2024 framework ‘knowledge driven economies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to build effective STI systems, Tanzania has made various strides including the establishment of various institutional arrangements to coordinate and fund research and innovation within the country. The Tanzania Commission for science and Technology (COSTECH), plays a major role in coordinating and fostering STI activities while the National Fund for the Advancement of Science and Technology (NFAST) is responsible for financing STI activities. Despite these efforts, the country still continues to lag behind in implementation of the STI policies as well as designing effective STI strategies that can contribute to addressing societal challenges. To address the current situation, the United Kingdom Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the East Africa Research and Innovation Hub (EARIH) financed a pilot study to develop a practical approach to capacity development and investment in knowledge systems, in three East African countries (Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania). The study sought to gather evidence on the current STI environment including identifying opportunities for investment to support sustainable development. This policy brief provides an overview of the key characteristics of STI system in Tanzania, emerging opportunities supporting SDGs and possible policy options for future STI investments that can deliver for the SDGs.
Enhancing Reading Culture among University Learners in Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2019-11) Mwantimwa, Kelefa; Kassim, Mohamed; Mwabungulu, Elias
The poor reading culture reported among learners in higher learning institutions does not just affect the usage of library resources and services but also the quality of workforce available in the nation. Though the problem of poor reading culture is more pronounced in higher learning institutions and its effects on the job sector, its presence has been attributable to the failure to introduce learners to culture of reading early enough. This has resulted from the absence or poor quality of library services in primary and secondary schools. This brief, therefore, recommends for the construction of libraries in primary and secondary schools; improvement of higher learning assessment modes, reviewing of the National Higher Learning and Education and Training Policies, strengthening information literacy training, ensuring the availability of reading materials in primary and secondary schools; employment of qualified library staff for primary and secondary schools; introduction of teacher-librarian training programmes in colleges
ICT usage to enhance firms’ business processes in Tanzania
(Springer, 2019) Mwantimwa, Kelefa; a
This study examined the usage of ICTs to enhance business processes in Tanzania. In particular, the study examined the types of ICTs deployed to enhance business processes and the processes they support, determinants of ICTs’ viable usage, and barriers to their effective usage. Descriptive cross-sectional design using surveys was deployed to gather qualitative and quantitative data from 182 firms. Quantitative data were analysed with using SPSS IBM 22 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics results. Besides that, a thematic and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data which was thereafter presented in narration form. The findings revealed that mobile phones, computers, the Internet and other network systems, and social media are perceived as important in boosting business efficiency related to material, product processing, management activities, service and marketing. The findings further disclose that financial capital has a multiplying effect on other ICTs’ usage determinants such as knowledge and expertise, and ICT infrastructure investments. Regarding a firm’s profile, the findings indicate that the size of a firm and its source of raw materials strongly predict its innovative usage of ICTs. The results also revealed the barriers to innovative usage of ICTs and suggest that for business processes to be meaningful, a balanced deployment of ICTs should be done with proper consideration of all enabling elements
Students’ use of digital learning resources: diversity, motivations and challenges
(Emerald Insight, 2019-10-03) Swiga, Alphonce; Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Purpose – With the advent of ICTs, a large percentage of university students are shifting their interest and focus on digital learning resources from print ones. This study aims to examine the diversity, motivations and challenges students face in using these learning resources at Trefoil Kisanji University (TEKU) in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers used elements of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in a complementary fashion. The study draws upon cross-section survey data collected from students (n = 90) alongside follow-up key informants semi-structured interviews with library and academic staff (n = 10). Findings – The study’s findings signify that internet resources are significantly deployed by students than other resources such as CD-ROM, e-books, journals, slides and audio clips. The findings further inform that the wide range of these resources and 24/7 convenient access are important motivating factors for their usage. On the other hand, the cost of internet services, limited searching competencies and limited subscribed databases inhibit effective and efficient usage of these by students at TEKU. Originality/value – The present study clearly discloses students’ motivations for accessing and using digital learning resources.
E-records management in Tanzania public service: determinants, perceived importance and barriers
(UDSM, 2019) Newa, Judith Romwald; Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Despite rigorous efforts by the government to introduce an e-government, most of the records in the public service of Tanzania are not electronically managed. The present study was conducted to assess records staff’s awareness of e-records management determinants, explore the perceived importance of e-records management, and analyse challenges of managing e-records in the Records and Archive Management Department (RAMD) of Tanzania. A descriptive research design alongside qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilized to collect, process, and analyse data in this study in which a 38 respondents were involved. Data for this study were collected using a cross-sectional survey (i.e. questionnaire and interview) and documentary review. The study’s findings reveal that determinant factors for e-records management are not in a state to speed up the take-off of e-records management initiatives of the RAMD. Shortage of competent staff for e-records management, dwindling of budget to support training and maintenance of infrastructure, and weak implementation of policies, circulars, and standards are among the challenges faced by efforts to manage e-records. Despite the slow take-off of e-records management initiatives, the responding staff perceived their management positively. Success in e-records management initiatives evidently requires the presence of reliable supporting environment and readiness tools such as standards, infrastructure, circulars, and policies.
Perceptions of librarians towards the adoption of embedded librarianship in Tanzania
(UDSM, 2020) Mushi, Carren; Mwantimwa, Kelefa; Wema, Evans
Academic libraries in Tanzania have not fully adopted or embraced embedded librarianship as an innovative approach to enhance library service delivery. To gain understanding on the adoption of embedded librarianship, the present study explored the librarians' perceptions towards the adoption of embedded librarianship approach in academic libraries in Tanzania. The study mainly employed exploratory research design blended in a mixed research approach where both quantitative and qualitative aspects were used. A total of 166 librarians from six university libraries filled the questionnaire while 6 directors were interviewed. Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21 was used to perform descriptive statistics. The study revealed librarians' positive perceptions on the adoption of embedded librarianship in academic libraries. Strengthening librarians and user partnership is an important mechanism to enhance library service delivery. Building strong collaboration between library and faculties through MoU, and enhancing librarians' competencies in teaching, research, communication, ICT applications are necessary for effective adoption of embedded librarianship
Perceived usefulness and ease of use of Web 2.0 tools in university teaching and learning in Tanzania
(UDSM, 2019) Kazoka, James Ernest; Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Despite the potentials Web 2.0 technologies have in supporting teaching and learning processes in higher education institutions, there is a continuing debate on their perceived usefulness and ease of use. As such, this study examined academic staff and students’ perceptions on the use of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning activities in five Tanzanian universities. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the perceived usefulness and exploring perceived ease of use of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning activities. A mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) was employed by the study. Accordingly, a cross-sectional survey, alongside documentary review, was used to collect data from a sample of 350 respondents selected through simple randomly sampling and 10 purposively selected informants. The study findings suggest that faculty members and students used Web 2.0 technologies for academic discussions, posting and accessing lecture slides and tutorials, sharing materials and scholarly communication. The findings further inform that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of Web 2.0 technologies are important predictors of the adoption of these tools. On the basis of these findings, ICT infrastructure investment, training to upgrade skills and knowledge, policies and usage guidelines and other usage motivations are recommended to be in place to promote the usage of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning. Besides, technical support to customise Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning activities is crucial
Delivery mechanisms of agricultural information and knowledge to smallholder farmers in Tanzania: A meta–analysis study
(UDSM, 2019) Ndimbwa, Tumpe; Ndumbaro, Faraja; Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Regardless of concerted interventions and initiatives made to foster agricultural information and knowledge delivery to smallholder farmers, access to these resources remains largely poor in rural Tanzania. To gain insights, the present study examined the delivery mechanisms of agricultural knowledge among smallholder farmers in Tanzania. The study employed a meta-analysis approach where 20 extant studies on agricultural information and knowledge in Tanzania were reviewed. During data analysis, Microsoft Excel 2010 was used to perform descriptive statistics analyses. The study’s findings reveal that there are various sources and delivery mechanisms of agricultural information and knowledge to the smallholder farmers in Tanzania. The findings further expose that there is no consensus on channels that are most suitable for delivering these resources to rural areas. While some prior studies show mass media as predominant sources, others inform that oral information and knowledge delivery mechanism are a prime sources and channels. Besides, the study reveals that rural Tanzania is not immune to factors that constrain delivery of agricultural information and knowledge. Factors like lack of communication tools, illiteracy, irrelevance of content, packaging information using languages farmers are not conversant with, lack of power supply, and limited income limit information and knowledge delivery and access. To speed up agricultural information and knowledge penetration to smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania, farmers groups, demonstration plots, farmers’ field study tours, agricultural shows and NGOs are recommended as sources and channels.
Entrepreneurial opportunities: A roadmap for diversifying financial sources in libraries, Tanzania
(SAGE Pub, 2019) Mayombya, Julither Edward; Mwantimwa, Kelefa; Ndenje-Sichalwe, Esther
Dwindling of operating budgets is one of the longstanding problems libraries of different kinds and sizes face. This study has examined entrepreneurial opportunities and ventures available at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) libraries in Tanzania. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Apart from key informant interviews and observations, primary data were collected from 55 library staff using self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that entrepreneurship opportunities were insignificantly harnessed to diversify financial sources at these libraries. The findings further inform that donors and the government remain the principal sources of income for these libraries. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that libraries should formulate and implement strategic plans that will guide entrepreneurship projects. Also, as a way to create entrepreneurship readiness, capacity building among library staff has been recommended.
Channels used to deliver agricultural information and knowledge to smallholder farmers
(SAGE Pub, 2019) Ndimbwa, Tumpe; Mwantimwa, Kelefa; Ndumbaro, Faraja
This study examined the effectiveness of the channels used to deliver agricultural information and knowledge to smallholder farmers in Tanzania. A descriptive cross-sectional design longside quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed to collect data from 341 respondents. While the data collected through the questionnaire was analysed by using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21, the data collected through the interview was analysed by using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that delivery of and access to timely and relevant agricultural information and knowledge, appropriately packaged, is one of the critical problems undermining smallholder farmers’ efforts to increase their production. As a result, most smallholder farmers mainly depend on informal channels. Besides informal channels, farmer groups and demonstration plots are becoming popular channels to deliver and access agricultural information and knowledge. To make a difference in agricultural production, deliberate efforts should be made to enhance the delivery of agricultural information and knowledge.
Users’ acceptance of e-resources usage at the Institute of Finance Management, Tanzania
(ERIC, 2019) Mwantimwa, Kelefa; Mollel, Mumitie Moikan
Whereas a large proportion of an institutional budget is allocated to the subscription of e-resources, the low usage of these resources by faculty members and students remain a longstanding challenge. The present study gauged the acceptance of e-resources usage by faculty members and students at the Institute of Finance Management. The study has employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design to gain insights into the acceptance and use of e-resources. A survey instrument was administered to 90 users of e-resources (that is, students and faculty members) conveniently. The study’s findings reveal a difference in the usage of open access and subscription e-resources. The e-resources subscribed to by the Institute registered insignificant usage compared to open access resources. Factors such as perceived usefulness ease of use, users’ competencies, and facilitating conditions have been found to predict the behavioral intention of faculty and students to use e-resources. Inaccessibility of subscription resources, inadequacy of computers and information literacies and poor Internet connectivity have been found to limit the usage of e-resources. To increase the usage of subscription e-resources, the adoption of e-resources access enhancing tools such as LibHub, marketing the resources through outreach programmes, and increasing computer and information literacies are necessary.
Livelihood information and knowledge needs, access, and exchange in rural communities in the Bunda District, Tanzania
(Taylor &Francis, 2020) Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Regardless of deliberate efforts by the government of Tanzania to enhance accessibility and usability of information and knowledge, a divide persists regarding resources between rural and urban areas as evidenced by poverty in rural areas. This article investigates livelihood information and knowledge needs, access, and exchange among rural communities in the Bunda District of Tanzania. A mixed research approach was used to collect, analyse, and present field data. Findings illustrate livelihood information and knowledge needs among rural dwellers, and the sources and mechanisms used to access, exchange, and use it, are diverse. Further, factors impeding effective exchange of information and knowledge include provision of irrelevant and untimely information and knowledge presented in user-unfriendly packages that hamper decision-making on livelihood matters
What motivates students’ decisions on programmes to pursue at university level: the role of information and knowledge
(Springer, 2021-03-16) Mwantimwa, Kelefa
Decision making is becoming more complex for prospective university students, in both the Global North and Global South. This study explored motivating information and knowledge for students’ decision making on programmes to undertake at the university level in Tanzania. The study followed a descriptive design which mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore how information and knowledge helped freshers at the University of Dar es Salaam in making decisions regarding programmes to pursue. The principal finding of the study reveals that extrinsic motivating information and knowledge influence the decision of more students than intrinsic motivating factors. The findings further inform that sources of extrinsic motivating information and knowledge are diverse. According to the findings, students’ rational decision making is undermined by the lack of professional and career development programmes. To empower students with the ability to make rational decisions, the introduction of career and professional programmes in secondary schools is necessary.
Tanzania Libraries: Library Cooperation
(1984) Nawe, Julita
Dual Responsibility of Managing Stress, Eustress, Distress, Rust-Out and Burn-Out in Libraries
(2002) Nawe, Julita
This paper highlights the causes and symptoms of stress, eustress, distress, rust-out and burnout. Suggestions on what both individuals and organizations can do to manage them are given. The paper recommends continual development of one's awareness as one of the most important general stress-management strategies regarding the type and mix of resources one needs for coping with one's source of stressors, and an organization may help towards achieving these goals by providing training programmes and counseling services.
The Economic Cycle of Disease: The Case of Worker's Working Conditions With Emphasis on Women at the Morogoro Leather Goods Co. Ltd., Morogoro, Tanzania.
(1989) Nawe, Julita
Africanist Librarianship in an Era of Change
(Taylor & Francis, 2007) Nawe, Julita; Evalds, Vicki; Henige, David
Integrating Traditional and Modern Knowledge Systems in Improving Agricultural Productivity in Upper-Kitete Village, Tanzania
(Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), 2014) Nawe, Julita; Hambati, Herbert
This study examined the integration of traditional environmental knowledge systems (TEKS) and modern environmental knowledge systems (MEKS) for improving the productivity of arable land and pastureland in Upper-Kitete Village, Karatu District, Tanzania. Structured interviews were conducted with 100 adults (50 males and 50 females) selected from areas of the village with different land uses. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 21 respondents, and five focus group discussions were held, each with seven participants. Participants were asked questions regarding their knowledge and use of traditional and modern farming and livestock keeping practices for improving productivity. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques were employed in collecting primary data. Data were also collected from secondary sources. The findings of the study indicated that the community of Upper-Kitete Village live in a vulnerable ecosystem, characterised by varied landscapes and diverse wildlife and plants. As individuals and as a community, village residents use traditional and modern sources of knowledge in the classification of land and the uses to which it is put. Over time, specific land uses have been identified that are suited only to particular ecological conditions. The use of both traditional and modern environmental knowledge by farmers in Upper-Kitete is indicative of the community's potential to evaluate and adopt new technologies. The study found that agricultural productivity varied depending on the system of knowledge applied (TEKS alone, MEKS alone, or the integration of TEKS and MEKS). Findings also indicated that efforts are required in accurately documenting TEKS because respondents relied on memories and did not use standard measures when they described traditional practices. Based on the study's evidence, it is recommended that an information management system be developed (at policy level) for the conservation and sustainable management of land resources. The identification of knowledge would ideally proceed through three stages: i) identification of traditional environmental knowledge; ii) the setting of standards for its application; and iii) dissemination of information to the wider community. The integration of TEKS and MEKS also needs to follow a similar process.
Library and Information Science: Training and Personnel Development in Tanzania
(MCB UP Ltd, 1992) Nawe, Julita
Highlights problems of training and personnel development in the context of inadequate training facilities, and inadequately defined skills resulting in failure on the part of the professional to meet the needs of users. Covers the key attributes and attitudes required for the identification of skills in the context of African librarianship in general, and that of Tanzania in particular. Stresses the need for a concrete and appropriate training and personnel development programme.
Using Information and Communication Technologies in Tanzania: responses of information professionals
(SAGE Publications, 2000) Nawe, Julita
Highlights efforts made by information professionals of academic and research institutions in Tanzania in taking advantages of ICTs in supporting of spearheading of knowledge in their respective institutions and the country in general. The study is limited to University of Dar es Salaam and its two campuses, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Institute of Finance Management, and Economic and Social Research Foundation.

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