Characteristics and factors that differentiate Internet users and non-users as information seekers: The case of rural women in Tanzania. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lwoga, Edda Tandi; Chigona, Wallace
• Is Part Of: Information development. Volume 33:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 462
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: information behavior -- information seeking -- Internet users -- rural women -- Tanzania; Library science -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; 020.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0266666916669557
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6669

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the information needs and information-seeking patterns of users and non-users of the Internet among rural women in Tanzania. The study used mixed research sequential design, wherein the initial qualitative phase informed the design of the cross-sectional questionnaire surveys. The study was conducted in three rural districts in Tanzania that have telecentres: Sengerema, Kongwa and Kilosa districts. In 2014, the study conducted focus group discussions (FGDs): six FGDs with 37 Internet users, and six with 36 non-users. In 2015, questionnaire surveys were administered to 90 users and 90 non-users of Internet from telecenters. The findings showed that there were similarities in the major information needs and information seeking patterns of both users and non-users of Internet, although some variations were noted. Demographic characteristics related to education level, income and number of information sources played a key role in discriminating between Internet users and non-users. This study provides empirical findings for telecenters, libraries and other rural information providers to develop and offer relevant user-centered information services that are gender sensitive, to facilitate equitable access to relevant information for rational decision-making.