A study on the agricultural research scientists’ knowledge in the use of internet resources

Abstract

The study examined the Research scientists’ knowledge in the use of Internet resources for research in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study, using a survey as research method. A random sampling technique was used to select 109 agricultural research scientists for the study. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A total of 98 cases were analyzed which represented 89.9% of the total sample. The data were subjected to frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, Pearson’s product-moment correlation (r) and multiple regression. The results showed that most researchers acquired computer knowledge without undergoing formal training in the use of the Internet. Mostly they learnt through self-development. The researchers used the Internet mostly for research purposes. The study therefore recommended that various institutes should acquire more bandwidth for their Internet connections to accommodate more computers and to improve the Internet speed. Internet networks must be active and continuously sustained in order to make this valued resource effective in all agricultural research institutes.