System factors influencing utilisation of Research4Life databases by National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIS) scientists in Nigeria

Abstract

This is a comprehensive investigation of the influence of system factors on utilisation of Research4Life databases. It is part of a doctoral dissertation. Research4Life databases are new innovative technologies being investigated in a new context – utilisation by NARIs scientists for research. The study adopted the descriptive survey design of the correlational type. The population consists of 1,205 scientists in the 15 NARIs from which 13 institutes and 744 scientists were selected using simple random and stratified random sampling techniques. Six items were used to measure utilisation of Research4Life databases while 43 questions were used to measure the 10 system factors. Reliability coefficient for system factors was 0.94 alpha and utiliation was 0.96. Percentage, mean, correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. Result indicates that the ten system factors were significant. System factors influenced utilisation of Research4Life databases. Four system factors, availability of full text articles, local journal content, database design features and perceived ease of usemade significant contributions to utilisation of the databases. Relevant stakeholders should ensure that the databases provide access to full text articles, make local journals available to users, improve on the design of the databases and make them easier to use to ensure maximum utilisation of the databases.

Keywords: System factor, Research4Life databases, Agricultural scientists, National Agricultural Research Institutes, Utilisation, Nigeria