Influence of Dissemination Channels on Utilization of Research Findings in the Management of Environment and Fisheries by the Fisher Folks in Kisumu Municipality Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of dissemination channels on utilization of research findings in the management of Environment and Fishing Efforts in Kisumu Municipality kenya. The objective of this study was: determine influence of dissemination channels on utilization of research findings. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used in this study. Households were the unit of analysis. From a study population of 15,179 households, a minium sample of 384 household heads were used, proportionate sampling and systematic sampling were used to select households according to location of study area. Purposive sampling were also used to get key informants. Primary data on dissemination channels affecting utilization of research findings were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, Focus Group Discussions, field observation, and photography. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to establish relationships. Qualitative data were analyzed by creating patterns and themes. Finally logistic regression analysis were used to establish influence of channels of dissemination on utilization of research findings to answer the research questions. The regression output shows that the relationship between channels of accessing research findings and its utilization was positive r = 0.194 variation R 2 =0.38 , β 0.194, p < 0.05 channels of dissemination influence utilization of research findings among fisherfolks. The study concluded that there was a strong relationship between the channel of dissemination of research findings and its utilization by fisher folks. The study recommended that the scientific community/researchers should be encourage to be more open with their findings, to publish/disseminate their findings using channels of disseminations which are accessible to more and more people who can access and learn from them so that they can reduce pollution going on in the lake.