Record Details

Dissemination of Research Findings in Tanzania: Are Researchers in Compliance with Best Practices?

Tanzania Journal of Development Studies

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Field Value
 
Title Dissemination of Research Findings in Tanzania: Are Researchers in Compliance with Best Practices?
 
Creator Sophrina, Assey R; HKMU
Msoka, Colman T; Inst of Development Studies (UDSM)
 
Subject —
 
Description Despite the critical role of research in development, a gap between research andpractice has been reported in literatures. Poor research dissemination has beenidentified as one of the key factors perpetuating the gap. Thus, this study seeks to findout whether the problem exists in Tanzania too. We carried out a cross-sectionaldescriptive survey in six selected research institutions in Tanzania to examine theirresearch dissemination practices. The study employed convenience or accidentalsampling to select 151 respondents who were handed questionnaires to fill in, wherebyonly 86 were returned. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with keyinformants from each study institutions. The information was supplemented withdocumentary review. The findings showed that dissemination of research findings inthe selected research institution was far from satisfactory. Most researchers did notplan for dissemination properly; there was a serious under-budgeting for researchdissemination; there were no special communication cadre (intermediaries) to assistwith research dissemination; researchers used limited dissemination—and sometimesinappropriate—channels to reach their target audiences; and a significant number ofresearchers did not evaluate their dissemination strategies. The study recommendsthat researchers should include a plan to disseminate research findings in researchproposals. Also, research funders should demand an extensive scheme showing howresearchers intend to conduct their research and provide more resources andincentives for research dissemination beyond the usual academic channels. Inaddition, research institutions should consider employing special researchcommunication experts to assist in research dissemination.
 
Publisher UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
 
Contributor —
 
Date 2019-09-11
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
Peer-reviewed Article
 
Format application/pdf
 
Identifier https://journals.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/tjds/article/view/2950
 
Source Tanzania Journal of Development Studies; Vol 17, No 1 (2019): Tanzania Journal of Development Studies; 19-41
25916831
08569922
 
Language eng
 
Relation https://journals.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/tjds/article/view/2950/2956
 
Rights Copyright (c) 2019 Tanzania Journal of Development Studies
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0