The Open Science (OS) movement is rapidly expanding globally, enhancing the accessibility of scientific knowledge. However, awareness and practices of OS among researchers in Tanzania remain unclear. This study aimed to assess OS awareness and practices among Tanzanian scholars and to identify the challenges they encounter. A digital survey was conducted among academicians, researchers, students, librarians, and science communicators in Tanzania, using a Google Form shared via social media and institutional mailing lists. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results indicated that 84 per cent of respondents (n = 144) were aware of OS, primarily through peers and online platforms. Open access (OA) publishing emerged as the most prevalent OS practice, underscoring the need for greater awareness of other OS activities. Respondents reported several barriers to OS adoption, including insufficient knowledge, lack of institutional support, and concerns over data security. The study underscores the significance of peer learning and online resources in promoting OS awareness and advocates for supportive institutional policies, infrastructure development, and guidelines to encourage OS practices among Tanzanian scholars.
This paper presents the findings of a study that examined the impact of mobile platform capabilities in terms of communication, information sharing and service delivery on agricultural success among sunflower farmers, grounded in Human Capital Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory. It highlights the roles farmers’ innovativeness, technical skills, and personal relationships play in driving agricultural success. Survey data collected from Dodoma and Singida sunflower farmers were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study found that the three aspects of mobile platform capabilities (innovation, technical skills, and personal relations) positively and significantly influence the success of sunflower farmers. These results suggest that mobile technologies enhance farmers’ ability to innovate, improve skills, and foster stronger networks, all of which contribute to greater agricultural success. As such, farmers should receive further support and training to leverage mobile platforms effectively. For policymakers and practitioners, the findings underscore the importance of integrating mobile technologies into agricultural policies and development initiatives to boost productivity.
This paper reports the findings of a study that assessed two Kiswahili newspapers in Tanzania, Habari Leo and Mwananchi, for their information dissemination of the 2019 Dar es Salaam flood crisis. They primarily evaluated the extent to which each of the two newspapers was published in Kiswahili, a language widely accessible in this East African nation. They explored the challenges of disseminating flood-disaster information in Tanzania. The study subjected news stories, features, editorials, letters to the editor, and advertisements/PSA published in the two newspapers in April, May, and June 2019. The study found that dissemination in both publications was low, which is inadequate. News reports about flood disasters received the least coverage (0.1%), followed by feature stories (1.25%), editorials (3.75%), and letters to the editor (8.75%) in both newspaper outlets. Compared with Mwananchi, which disseminated three early warning news pieces, three letters to the editor, and one editorial in April 2019, Habari Leo disseminated only one news story and one letter to the editor. The absence of specialised reporters, inadequate infrastructure, uncooperative disaster management agencies, budgetary constraints, and misinformation from flood victims were the leading causes of such limited news dissemination.
The relevance of media in fostering awareness of sustainable environmental management is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in rapidly developing urban centres. This study evaluates the influence of media in enhancing sustainable environmental management in the community. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Chumbageni Ward, in Tanga City, was purposively selected, and 75 respondents were randomly sampled from three streets in the ward. Additionally, 5 media personnel and 3 street leaders were purposively selected as key informants. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews. Quantitative data were statistically analysed using SPSS v20, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The findings indicate that information about waste is a relatively high-profile environmental issue in the media, followed by climate change. Television emerges as the most highly approved media channel for broadcasting environmental news, while social media ranks second. Additionally, the respondents had varied views on the accuracy and reliability of environmental information presented in the media. The findings further indicate the acknowledged media’s significant role in enhancing the community’s awareness of sustainable environmental management. To improve ecological communication, media should fact-check content through expert consultation, share local environmental success stories to inspire action, tailor messages to specific audiences using appropriate formats and languages, and provide regular training for journalists to improve clarity, accuracy, and impact in environmental reporting.
This study investigates the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology in digital library services, highlighting its benefits, associated challenges, and future trends. A qualitative research design was employed, utilising a systematic review of literature from 2020 to 2024 sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The selected literature was thematically analysed to identify key findings and trends. The findings reveal that AR enhances user experience and engagement, improves accessibility and inclusivity, and offers innovative ways of presenting digital content. Notable advancements include improved hardware, such as sophisticated smartphones and AR glasses, and software integrations with machine learning and AI, enabling more interactive experiences. However, several challenges impede AR integration, including technical and infrastructural limitations, financial constraints, user acceptance, digital literacy, and privacy and ethical concerns. The study concludes that while AR holds significant potential for transforming digital library services, its successful implementation requires addressing these barriers through affordable technology solutions, comprehensive user training, and robust ethical guidelines. Future trends indicate a focus on personalised user experiences, integration with emerging technologies, expanded accessibility, and collaborative learning environments, underscoring the transformative potential of AR in libraries.
