| dc.description.abstract | Maize is a critical food source in Kenya, with Laikipia East sub-county being a significant
contributor. However, low maize production has been reported every year, posing
questions not only on production methods, but also on availability and accessibility of
information for supporting production activities. This implies that maize farmers require
adequate and reliable information to support production activities. Public libraries are
accessible to farmers and therefore have the potential to empower maize farmers with
knowledge and information to enhance maize production. This research aimed to explore
the significant role of public libraries in fostering maize production within the agricultural
landscape of Laikipia East Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of this research was: to
ascertain the information requirements of maize farmers in Laikipia East Sub-County; to
evaluate the existing information resources within public libraries that support maize
production initiatives; to analyze the information services offered by public libraries to
promote maize cultivation; and to examine information dissemination channels employed
by public libraries in reaching out to maize farmers. The study was grounded on
information needs theory, information-seeking behavior theory, community informatics
theory. This was cross-sectional survey research, targeting 373 maize farmers from
Laikipia East County and 3 library staff members from Nanyuki Public Library. Maize
farmers’ participants were selected randomly while library staff were selected purposively.
Data collection from the respondents was through self-administered questionnaires to the
farmers and interview schedules to the librarians. The researcher used questionnaires and
interview guides for data collection and analysis. Regarding the kinds of information
required for growing maize, respondents were split evenly between those who agreed and
those who were neutral (20.74%), and 33.70 percent indicated they had never used the
library. Respondents' views on the information resources available at public libraries were
viewed as having increased their knowledge and skills in maize production in a neutral to
somewhat positive way, with a moderate range of opinions (standard deviation of 1.940).
Regarding the impact of library workshops and seminars on maize productivity,
respondents' perceptions ranged from neutral to somewhat positive; a substantial standard
deviation of 1.977 suggested a wide variety of experiences. Given the divergent views on
the significance of the services provided, libraries must regularly assess the effectiveness
of their resources and offerings. IT and library personnel should produce, maintain, and
optimize digital materials. To promote library materials and services, the management of
the library should work with local farming associations and community organizations. The
staff of the library ought to better tailor its resources and services to the particular needs of
maize producers. The publications are regularly updated and include practical, farmer
focused information on significant topics like seed selection, insect control, and crop
management techniques. | en_US |
