Information needs and influence to information access in Ukwuani communities in Delta State, Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined information needs and their influence on information access in Ukwuani communities of Delta State, Nigeria. The aim was to identify how information needs influence information access and utilisation by rural households in the study area. The study population comprised 180,000 residents across rural communities in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 342 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling were used to analyse the data. Results showed significant socio-demographic factors affecting rural information needs, namely education, occupation, and age. The study also revealed a statistically significant effect of information policy implementation on information accessibility, which was hampered by poor implementation and infrastructural challenges. In addition, access management systems such as mobile phones, radio, and community-based systems were observed to be key determinants of information utilisation, despite continuing infrastructural challenges. It was concluded that individual, institutional, and infrastructural factors collectively influence access to information in rural areas. The study recommended that an integrated strategy combining effective policy implementation and strengthened access systems would enhance information delivery in the rural communities of Ukwuani.
Authors: Sandra Ejiro Ukubeyinje, Jennifer Aniakor
Institutions: College of Education Warri, Southern Delta University, Ozoro
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204059869