Information needs and seeking behaviour of Maasai pastoralists of Kajiado County

Abstract

The Maasai like any other people in Kenya need adequate, current and accurate information to be able to exploit their economic potential. Despite the importance of information, the Maasai may not have benefited much from it on account of lack of knowledge by information providers about their information needs. This study therefore sought to investigate the information needs and seeking behaviour of the Maasai pastoralists of Kajiado with a view to develop appropriate strategies to address their needs. Specifically, the study attempted to achieve the following objectives: Establish different socio-economic activities the Maasai are involved in, determine their information needs, investigate factors influencing their information seeking behaviour, describe information sources and channels they consult when seeking information, identify barriers to information access; and finally propose strategies to improve information access. The study used Wilson model of information seeking behaviour. The study used ethnographic qualitative research design. Cluster sampling, simple random sampling, snow ball and judgmental sampling were employed to select the samples. The study used interview schedule, focus group discussions and participant observation as data collection instruments. The major findings were presented using basic statistical tools such as frequency distribution tables and percentages. The study established that the Maasai are involved in a number of economic activities which include: livestock keeping; livestock trade and other emerging forms of occupations. They have information needs which are influenced by a number of factors such as decision making; survival; livestock keeping and business; rain and weather patterns. Some of the information sought by Maasai pastoralists includes: information on animal husbandry; health, education; land and governance. There also exist different channels and sources of information, which are classified as: personal conducts; organizations and mass media. Several factors were identified as barriers to information access, namely: illiteracy; language; lack of government support and unavailability of information centres. The study recommended the following: repackaging of information in Maa language, establishment of community radios; establishing information desks in government departments; e-government, information outreach programmes; and use of the internet and social networks.