Information-seeking behavior of women in internally displaced persons (IDPs) sites in Western Equatorial State, South Sudan

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the Information seeking behaviour of Women for Information Services in IDP Sites of Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. To have an insight on how to reduce challenges faced by women at the IDP sites in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. The study sought to uncover South Sudan through obtaining the information needs of women in the IDP sites,to ascertain the information seeking behaviour of women in IDP sites and inquire how women in the IDP sites access information available to them. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology and specifically an interpretive phenomenology research design. The population of this study consisted of eight women leaders among the IDP population in sites of Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. The snowball sampling technique was used for the participants selection and data collection was done utilizing Semi-structured interview, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings from the research revealed that information needs of IDP women in the study area includes information on health, information on education, food, current trends, finance and relocation. Information is usually obtained through documents disseminated at the sites, peer networks, social networks, camp leadership, although some of the IDPs are not privy to the information due to a series of barriers. This also serves as a hinderance in them accessing some essential services that eases their stay at the IDP sites. The population in Western Equatoria are generally at risk of multiple displacement unless the Government and other stakeholders make frantic efforts towards sustained peace building and curbing the internal, sub-national and ethnopolitical crisis within the country.