Published on July 2019 | Electronic Information Resources

Availability and utilization of electronic information resources for research activities in agricultural research institutes in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study investigated the level of availability and utilization of electronic information resources (EIRs) in agricultural research institutes in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The institutes are Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS). The study adopted the principles of positivist assumptions using descriptive cross-sectional survey design on a sampled 187 researchers from the population of 373 research scientists. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that AGORA, TEEAL and AGRIS were available (mean=3.07) while AGRICOLA (mean=2.22) and PROTA (mean=2.18) were not available; that e-dissertations, e-books and e-journals (mean=4.00) were highly utilized for laboratory and/or field research purposes (mean=4.00) by research scientists. The inferential analysis through Regression Model rejected the broad null hypothesis of the study where it showed the extent of available EIR had positive statistical correlation (r=0.648, N=119, r2 = 0.420 p < 0.05) with the level of utilization for enhanced research activities in agricultural research institutes in Kaduna State. It was concluded that EIRs are necessary vehicles for research activities and are available and adequately utilized in agricultural research institutes in Kaduna State. The study recommended that the institutes should increase investments in ICT facilities, provide more relevant EIRs and organize sensitization workshops.