Cybercafés use by the research scientists in agricultural research institutes in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the usage of cybercafes by research scientists in the national agricultural research institutes in Ibadan. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was also used to select the sample and the method produced 180 research scientists. A total of 162 cases were finally analysed which represented 90% of the total sample. Data was collected using a well structured questionnaire designed by researchers. Findings from the study shows a high level of awareness of the importance of Internet service as a resource for research information and other purposes, and as such cybercafe is considered as a useful outfit in these research institutes. The study also revealed that research scientists have resorted to utilizing the cybercafe located outside their respective institute due to (i) inadequate facilities in their offices and incessant poor outage, and (ii) in order to continue their research work after office hours. Finally, the study suggested that in order to improve the effective use of Internet resources, there must be regular power supply as budgetary allocations to the research institutes can no longer sustain continuous dependency on alternative power supply. The study also suggested that the research scientists should be assisted in procuring ICT equipment and that effort should be geared towards the provision of enhanced broad-band width to the national research institutes in order to reduce hardship being experinced by research scientists in meeting their research information needs.