Browsing by Author "Martin, Simeon"

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    Print media information access and usage in Okalongo and Ongenga settlements in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2023) Martin, Simeon
    This study examined the accessibility and usage of print media information by rural communities in Okalongo and Ongenga settlements, located in northern Namibia. The research objectives were to evaluate how accessible print media information is, identify the channels through which communities access print media information, explore how communities use the information obtained, and investigate the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing print media information. To achieve the objectives, the study used mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 254 participants from the two settlements, with a 95% response rate. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview guides for chief region officers, government officials and headmen. The findings showed that rural communities in Okalongo and Ongenga relied heavily on print media information, with newspapers, posters, books, leaflets and notes on notice boards being the most commonly used platforms. The study also identified government offices, shops, families and friends as the most accessed avenues for print media information. The challenges faced by rural communities in accessing print media information included inaccessibility, late delivery, unaffordability and language barriers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government of Namibia should improve its role in facilitating access to information to ensure that rural communities receive accurate and timely information. Future studies should expand the scope to cover all media platforms and larger populations