The Underserved Communities: Overview of Information Services in the Riverrine Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Very often, low services are experienced in some areas, denying some people the opportunities to be informed and empowered on improvement of standard of living. This study investigated the riverrine communities of Anambra East and West Local Government Areas (LGAs) with access to library and information services. Two hundred self designed questionnaires were purposely sampled in ten communities in the areas. Questionnaire and interview were used to elicit data from different groups of people in the communities. Data were collected and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The study found out that some communities are cut off and cannot be accessed except by river. Also discovered was that the rural dwellers desire information more on health, agriculture and economic activities. The available information provisions are through the NGOs, gate-keepers and friends. There is no rural library or information centre in the areas. The challenges of information services were found out to be lack of funds, transportation difficulty, inadequate personnel and inadequacy of mobile library. It was recommended that the State Library Board should repackage its programs and collaborate with agencies in relevant information services to the dwellers. The government should also include rural communities in its priority of social services.Key words: community, library and information services, riverine areas, rural dwellers service delivery, underserved

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