Abstract:
Information is an important tool in development. Rural women in Kesses Division
require the right information to carry out their day – to - day activities. Despite the
important role that information plays in development, women in Kesses do not appear to
benefit from this information. The aim of the study was to investigate the information
needs and seeking behavior of rural women in Kesses Division; ascertain the extent to
which their information needs are being met by existing information systems, services
and channels and make suggestions for improvement. The objectives of the study were
to: establish information needs of rural women in Kesses Division; establish the reasons
why they seek information; identify whether the existing information systems, services
channels are accessible; establish how the women use the acquired information, make
appropriate recommendations to improve access to information. The study was informed
by the Systems Feminism Theories. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in
nature, using a case study research approach. Combinations of stratified random and
purposive sampling techniques were employed to obtain 98 respondents and 19 key
informants. Data was collected by use of semi –structured interview schedules
complimented by self – administered questionnaires, observations and document review.
Qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the objectives and research
questions while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics presented using
frequency distribution tables and bar charts. Among the key findings of the study were
that rural women have information needs which are not being satisfied by the existing
information systems, services and channels of communication. The information available
in Kesses Division was not adequate in terms of quality and quantity. The study
concludes that lack of adequate access and use of information has impacted negatively on
the performance of women’s daily activities. The study recommends that information
providers should carry out a thorough analysis of the information needs of rural women
in Kesses division with a view to addressing them.
