The Information Needs And Seeking Behaviour Of Rural Women In Kesses Division, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

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.