Print media information access and usage in Okalongo and Ongenga settlements in Namibia
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Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of masters of arts in media studies
Keywords
Usage of print media, Okalongo, Ongenga settlements, Namibia