Socio-cultural Determinants of the Use and Transfer of Scientific Information by Agricultural Scientists in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of the study presented here was to determine the socio-cultural factors that enhanced the use and transfer of scientific information among agricultural scientists in south eastern Nigeria. The implications of some of these factors for agricultural development are highlighted.

Structured questionnaires were distributed to a stratified random sample of 300 scientists. Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were mailed while 90 were self-administered. Two hundred and forty-five (81·6%) usable responses were received and analysed. Data were also generated from interviews with selected members of the stratified random sample. Analyses focused on social and cultural factors of (1) motivation, (2) computer appreciation, (3) choice of media for research communication, (4) recipients of research communications, and (5) scientists' activities considered for assessment and reward. Frequency counts were the presentation techniques used to elucidate results.

Results showed that scientists were motivated more in the use and transfer of scientific information by social factors of self-development (53·3%) and job security (12·9%) than by social factors of scientific problem solution (19·6%) and intellectual contribution (12·6%).

Cultural factors of development in information technology (36·8%), adequate and relevant information resources (12·6%) and previous information attitudes (24·5%) also influenced scientists. Although five types of recipient groups of research communications were identified, the study noted that there was a disproportionately inadequate diffusion of research communications to two important groups of “national planners” and “external aid bodies”, who plan and finance agricultural development. Only 5% of scientists sent research communications to national planners and only 3·7% of scientists sent research communications to external aid bodies.

Strategies for assessing other quantifiable elements of productivity by scientists outside journal publications and for diffusing adequate scientific information to national planners and external aid bodies are deemed necessary.