A Computer-Based Information Support System for Energy Resources Development in Tanzania
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Date
1995-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Energy is a critical input into any country's development process. It is a prer
for the proper functioning of almost all sectors of the economy, and a resource ,
continuous supply of which human society cannot survive well. Therefore, elaborate
and strategies need to be organized to develop sufficient energy supplies. On the
hand, working out successful planning and strategies is knowledge based and require tir
and sufficient information.
This study set out to investigate the information support services available
institutions related to energy resources development in Tanzania. Among the things whi
the study investigated include: the information flow pattern, information resource sharing
application of information Technology, the kind of services offered by information centres
and how the people engaged in energy development planning and decision making are
benefited by these information centres.
Results of the survey conducted among six information centres indicate that the
performance of information services supporting energy development in the country is weak.
This dismal performance originates from among other things the ineffective information
flow pattern, lack of coordination of information centres related to energy development,
inadequacies in data collection, processing and dissemination, especially at the Energy
Development Unit, low level of application of Information Technology (IT) in handling and
dissemination of information, inadequacy in trained information personnel, and absence of
computer -based services.
In order to overcome the shortcomings mentioned above this study proposes the
establishment of a Computer-Based Information Support System for Energy Resources
Development in Tanzania (CBISSERD), which would work on a LAN established at the
Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals. Two types of prototype databases have been
developed. The first one is an integrated database called 'JORAM' which consists of
Bibliographic Records, Profiles of Experts, Profiles of Projects, Profiles of Institutions and
Profiles of Information Systems. The second type is a set of specialized databases named
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TASEC, ENERT and ENT AB. These prototype databases are expected to be a source of
valuable information to help the process of energy development in Tanzania.
Among the recommendations made following this study, inc1ude_:the immediate
establishment of the National Information Policy on Information Systems and Services, the
establishment of a National Information System to coordinate information institutions, for
the government to give reasonable attention to information as an important resource for
development, and improvement of IT application in the information sector in Tanzania.
These suggestions are expected to improve the information systems' capacity in supporting
energy resources development in Tanzania.
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Description
Keywords
Information Support System