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Electronic Journal of Information System in Developing Countries (EJISDC) has already published a bibliometric study from 2000-2013, and this study is a further continuation of the pervious study from 2014-2021. The data retrieved from the Scopus database was analyzed through VOS viewer, biblioshiny, Microsoft Excel, and MS Access. This bibliometric study found the different aspects of the EJISDC, i.e., document types, publishing trends, authorship patterns, most productive countries, prolific authors, organizations, frequently used keywords, and country collaboration during 2014-21. The result found that total 346 publications having 1513 citation and most of the documents type was published research articles. The maximum publication was 51 in 2017 and received 313 citations in 2014. Authorship patterns showed that two author patterns produce maximum publications (142) with 666 citations. Heeks was the most prolific author in terms of paper publication (8 papers). South Africa and the University of Cape Town are at the top of the list to produce maximum articles during 2014-21. ICT4D was the most used keyword by the authors, and Tanzania is the top country to collaborate with other countries. Results for this study showed that the publications trend had been changed during 2014-21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses customer satisfaction with services of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) using a mixed method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaire and interviews, which were supplemented by document analysis. A total of 72 respondents were selected using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables, pie charts and percentages. The expectancydisconfirmation theory with Four-Level Zone of Tolerance (ZoT) developed by Oliver (1980) guided data analysis in this study. Findings indicate that leaning materials and services provided by SNAL are relatively sufficient due to satisfaction level of majority of customers being over 50%. This shows that the library has relevant learning materials which mostly meet users' satisfaction. However, some respondents showed dissatisfaction with challenges they faced in accessing library resources due to: poor arrangement of books in shelves that made users to spend a lot of time in searching materials, lack of adequate security in the Library that made some users' properties in their bags temporarily kept in the library being stolen and lack of good customer care practices from some library staff. The study recommends the factors prompting users' dissatisfaction be addressed so as to regain customers' satisfaction and loyalty to the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper reports a study, which examined the specific information needs and sources of Maasai pastoralists at Orkesumet area in Simanjiro District, Manyara -Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach: The study used pragmatism paradigm which is a mixed method approach. Simple random sampling was used to select 40 respondents from the five villages (Mukumbi, Naibor-enderit, Narosoito, Orkirung'urung' and Endonyengijape. Purposive sampling was used to select clan leaders (Ilaigwanak and Ingopir), two from each of the five villages forming ten purposively selected respondents. Questionnaire, interview schedule, and observation were designed to extract information from respondents. Findings: The findings of the study showed that, Maasai practicing pure pastoralism had different needs from those who practice agro-pastoralism. Traditional leaders and extension officers were regarded as the reliable sources of information. Mobile phones were preferred as a source of information but facing challenges. Acquaintance and family members were acknowledged as reliable sources of information. Maasai pastoralist face challenges in the use of information technology due to their low level of educational and inadequate formal sources of information. Practical implications - The authors anticipates that this study will act as an eye opener to the United Republic of Tanzania government and non-government organizations to think of providing appropriate reliable sources of information to Maasai pastoralists so that their contribution can be seen in the socio-economic development of the country. Originality/value - Several studies have been conducted on information needs and sources for different tribes in Tanzania. However, none of these studies have been conducted on Maasai pastoralist. This study is expected to serve as a stepping-stone for further studies on this neglected tribe in socio-economic activities in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the Role of Libraries and Librarians in Open Educational Resources (OER) in selected public university libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to find out the level of OER awareness among librarians and the role played by libraries and librarians in OER in Tanzania. The study also identified challenges encountered by librarians in promoting access and use of OER. Fifty two librarians of different ranks and academic qualifications from four public university libraries participated in this study. These were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected through a self administered questionnaire and documentary review. Data collected was analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 18.0. The findings show that librarians are aware of the concept OER and also play multiple roles in promoting awareness on OER and its integration in university websites to facilitate their accessibility and use The study further revealed that limited awareness on existing OER and lack of policy guidelines on the use of OER are major challenges facing librarians in promoting access and use of OER. The study recommends more OER awareness creation campaigns and formulation of institutional OER policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on sensitisation of information professionals to create awareness on the treatment of Obstetric Fistula in rural areas of Tanzania. The rural women in Tanzania lack access to information on treatment of Obstetric Fistula, as a result, they face many problems such as social isolation, stigmatization, humiliation, rejection by their husbands and relatives. Due to these problems, Obstetric Fistula survivors feel guilty and loneliness, they lose hope for living and become disappointed. There is, therefore, a need for information professionals to disseminate Obstetric Fistula information in rural areas to create awareness of the treatment of this problem. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to identify 64 respondents in the four surveyed villages from Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. The same sampling design used to identify twelve health professionals (medical doctors and midwives). Data were collected through documentary reviews, in-depth interviews, questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and observation. The study revealed that the problem could be cured, but the problem is that most of the rural community members lack information on the possibilities of obstetric fistula treatment. The study, therefore, concluded that information professionals have to play their role in creating awareness on the treatment of Obstetric Fistula in rural areas of Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed a descriptive research method to investigate the provision of information services for visually impaired students (VIS) at the University of Dar es Salaam. The research conducted a comprehensive examination by employing a census sampling technique, targeting a population of 25 VIS. Qualitative methodologies were utilized to collect data, with thematic analysis serving as the means to categorize and describe the gathered information. The study's findings revealed that VIS have specific information needs, notably necessitating orientation programs for university management and the acquisition of effective computer application skills to manage their studies proficiently. Additionally, the study identified commonly used equipment among VIS, including Perkins braille devices, braille embossers, typewriters, long white canes, and audio recorders. Furthermore, the research exposed limitations in inclusive education, which fails to adequately accommodate the information-seeking requirements of VIS. Limited access to modern facilities and challenges related to mobility stemming from less supportive infrastructure were identified as significant barriers affecting the information-seeking process. Generally, the study emphasized that VIS primarily center their information needs around academic requirements. This highlights the imperative of modern facilities and supportive infrastructure to ensure effective information provision for VIS. These insights emphasize the critical importance of addressing the specific information requirements and challenges faced by visually impaired students within the higher education context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to investigate how OAIRs policy can be used to collect the content in OAIRs. Systematic random and purposive sampling procedures were used to obtain a total of 292 respondents and 8 key informants. A structured questionnaire, in depth interview and secondary data were used to collect quantitative data and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22 and qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. Key findings revealed that 46.2% of respondents were aware of the OAIR policies and more than half (54.8%) were not aware of the OAIR policies. The findings also revealed that 45.5% of the respondents indicated that OAIRs policy are used to the recruitment of the content, specify the type of content to be held, identify who should access the content and direct how to preserve the content in OAIRs. Furthermore, 24.5% of the respondents indicated that training on procedures and guidelines, 18.5% mandate faculty members to submit their scholarly publication in the OAIRs, upload OAIRs policy in OAIRs page and 16.3% make OAIRs policy accessible through the university website will enhance the growth of collection in OAIRs. The study concluded that OAIR policies may cover a number of issues, and without a policy to guide users, OAIRs may remain virtually empty without content. Therefore, creating awareness on OAIRs, and OAIRs policy should be more emphasized on submission to enhance the growth of collection in OAIRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the accessibility of health information among pregnant women in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. This study was conducted in four main health stations (hospitals) which were selected purposively. This cross-sectional study involved 80 pregnant women who were randomly selected. Data were obtained by using questionnaires. Results showed that pregnant women in the study area expressed various information needs, categories of most needed health information were: information on miscarriage, information on immunization, and information on breast feeding. Moreover, results revealed that information on delivery and family planning were highly accessible. Moreover, the study results showed that age and education were positively and statistically significant at 0.05 level of probability. For increasing access to expert advice on reproductive health and current health information among pregnant women, it is recommended that the Tanzanian Government should employ health information officers in all health care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently and particularly in Tanzania higher learning institutions have experienced significant trends in the adoption of open education resources and exponentially advanced towards the application of open education policy and guidance. Open education resource policies are essential tools in guiding, using, sharing, and modifying online resource practice This study used a survey design to assess open education resource policy adoption in Tanzania higher learning institutions. Specifically, areas related to the availability of open education resource policy; community awareness of open education resource policy, and implementation of open education resource policy in higher learning institutions were addressed. The survey involved five purposely selected public higher learning institutions, SUA, OUT, NM-AIST, MU, and MoCU based on their long experience in education, programs offered, and widely extended campuses throughout the country distance learning that demands comprehensive open education resources policy. The findings reveal that most higher learning lacks open education resource policy except for the Open University of Tanzania, which was based on providing distance learning. Instead, most institutions have a repository policy available online and easily accessed from respective pages. However, policies are not reviewed, which can result in inconsistent practice and the use of old software versions, which can lead to human errors and sometimes system failure. Thus, the study recommends policy review and upgrade of software systems to encourage the creation, access, re-use re-purpose, and redistribution of quality OERs to support teaching and learning practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to describe the role played by Indigenous Knowledge (IK) (Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Traditional Knowledge (TK)) of the local community farmers in Lindi and Mtwara regions and determine their overall perceptions on usefulness of IK in the pursuit of their farming activities. The study employed a mixed method approach (case study and cross sectional survey). It involved 230 respondents comprising 96 (41.7%) female and 134 (58.3%) males. The study found that many farmers possess an extensive indigenous knowledge on soil characteristics, cropping systems, land suitability for farming, preservation of planting materials, methods of crop planting, crop preservation after harvesting, plant pests, diseases, predators and their control and agro-biodiversity management around community surroundings. Moreover, 151 (65.7%) of the respondents reported that IK is sufficient for solving farming problems, 57 (24.8%) were not satisfied with existing IK in their communities, and 22 (9.6%) respondents did not have any opinion. Also, when asked to state their opinions on usefulness of IK in the management of agro-biodiversity, 212 (95.0%) said indigenous knowledge is useful and only 11 (5.0%) said it is not useful. It can therefore, be plausibly concluded that the communities know the benefit potentials of IK and indigenous agro-biodiversity knowledge for their survival. In view of the above, it is recommended that identification of IK types is important in determining and increasing understanding on what farmers know and how that knowledge can be located and used to add value to agricultural productivity. Agricultural development can be best achieved if researchers and extension officers are educated on the significance, complexity and usefulness of local knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the study of knowledge-based economy (KBE)) program initiated by bank M-PESA for women empowerment (MWEI) in Rural Tanzania, Africa. Topics discussed include investigation of the social economic changes for women entrepreneurs in rural areas through KBE technologies used; Vodacom through MWEI Project ensures that women are provided with interest-free loans; and views on impact of project in the housing sector.

This study examines the techniques for promoting library information resources and services through outreach activities and how librarians and other library patrons perceive the techniques for promoting the resources and services, and the factors affecting the perceptions regarding effectiveness of techniques used. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was purposively distributed to students, librarians and members of academic staff. A total of 40 respondents participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square Test) using SPSS software V.16. It was found that several techniques are used to promote library resources and services. These include catalogues, displays, print adverts each 7%, followed by e-mails (6%) and workshops, phones, leaflets, and face to face events each 5%. The present position respondent holds were found to influence positively and significantly a number of outreach approaches. It was found that the catalogue was rated effective by 28 (70%) respondents in promoting library services, the website was rated effective by 28 (70%) of respondents and the posters were rated effective by 20 (50%) of respondents. From the study, it can be concluded that the library could invest in the use of most highly rated outreach techniques such as face-to-face events, training sessions, workshops, brochures, catalogue, website, phones, leaflets, adverts, e-mail, classroom instructions, social media, posters and library tours to promote the use of services and resources among the library user community. On the part of respondents, they gave the following opinions to improve outreach services: use of social media and library website updates (61%), frequent email alerts of new arrivals, regular user training, and increased publicity by brochures and leaflets each (13%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survey aims to investigate the use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) among distance learners of the Open University of Tanzania. A descriptive research design has been adopted in the study. Stratified random sampling method was used to select randomly 300 distance learners. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed randomly to 300 distance learners including undergraduate and postgraduate students. A total of 230 (76.67 percent) completed filled in questionnaires were returned back from the distance learners for analysis. Despite OPAC being the most effective information retrieval tool and of particular ideal for distance learners, findings of this study revealed low level of awareness (24.78 percent) and use (22.61 percent) of OPAC among them. The findings of this study has further revealed that majority of respondents (85.65 percent) retrieved educational resources from the library collection using browse through shelves technique. Limited number of computers with internet access, inadequate searching skills, low bandwidth and recurrent power outages were indicated as some of the barriers that militate against effective use of OPAC. The study recommends, among others, periodic information literacy training for distance learners during orientation and face to face sessions, introduction of information literacy compulsory course across the curriculum, provision of more PCs on campus, improvement of bandwidth, provision of standby generator in the computer labs and employment of proactive marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes relevant research on the relevance of urban agriculture and how best various Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be used in accessing and disseminating livestock husbandry information, in order to improve livestock husbandry practices in urban areas. Specifically, it reviews studies that have been conducted in relation to urban agricultural practices, the challenges of keeping livestock in urban areas and the solutions to overcome the challenges of urban livestock keeping. The review also discusses the extent of ICT integration in agriculture from a global perspective and specifically in Africa and Tanzania. The review focuses on the information needs of urban livestock keepers and the challenges encountered in using various ICTs in accessing livestock husbandry information. This review reveals gaps in the literature and recommends on possible ways forward that relevant stakeholders may take to address these gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]