The usage of e-resources among agricultural researchers and extension staff in Tanzania

Abstract

This article investigates the accessibility and usage of e-resources among agricultural researchers and extension staff in five out of seven agricultural zones in Tanzania. The study identifies sources of e-resources used by these researchers and staff, as well as assessing their information literacy levels and the factors influencing their usage of e-resources. The research used a survey approach based on convenient non-probability sampling. Findings show that usage of e-resources from popular agricultural databases remains low. Factors limiting access to e-resources include poor institutional ICT infrastructure, limited funds for e-resources and low information literacy levels. Recommendations include improvements to ICT infrastructure and budgets, as well as developing electronic institutional repositories to improve extension staff access to research outputs, creating a sustainable link between agricultural research and farming activities. Information literacy modules in agricultural training institutes could also support effective access to, and use of, e-resources.