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Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 © Wilolud Online Journals, 2009.

USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICTION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS (ICTs) IN FISHERIES/ AQUACULTURE EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY IN BORGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Sule, A. M; Sanni A. O; Ayanda, J. O and Olowosegun, T National Institute For Freshwater Fisheries Research, Newbussa, Niger State Nigeria.

ABSTRACT The ICT tools have great potential for use in agricultural extension and are increasingly being used without corresponding research into their optimal use. This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of ICT in creating awareness in fish farming among men and women. Eight governmental institutions participated in the aquaculture awareness programme with a total of 220 participants in which 50% was selected through simple random sampling technique. Results shows that 77% of the participants were men while the majority (41%) were in the age category of 40-49 years. Also, 62% had tertiary education while 46.4% had a household size of 7-9 members. Majority (33%) earned a monthly income range of N20, 001-N50, 000 while 11% earned more than N120, 000. On the level of preparedness to commence fish farming, 15% had stocked their ponds while 32% dug their earthen ponds

KEY WORDS: Information, Communication, Technology, Tools, Aquaculture, Delivery INTRODUCTION Transfer of Technology (TOT) to farmers is one thing, how the farmers are reached is yet another important component of extension. The various methods of reaching farmers (mass media, group methods, individual method, media combinations and use of audio-visual aids, use of folk media and use of modern information communication technologies (ICTs) all have their merits and demerits. Arokoyo (2005) defined ICT as technologies that facilitate communication and the processing and transmission of information by electronic means. The ICT tools that have great potential for use in agricultural extension among others are: radio, television, telephone, camera, video, computer etc. However, Ani (2007) noted that often not included as part of the regular ICTs but very essential in themselves are: printed materials, photographs, question and answer service, group meetings and workshops. In the rural areas, more use is being made of ICT especially the digital camera with video capabilities is becoming very popular because a picture is worth a thousand words and will enable even those constrained by literacy to communicate (Manu, 2003). In the same vein, most FM radios have scored high in popularity and listenership because of their special interest and focus in broadcasting to local audiences in local languages. Access to radio is extensive compared to any other ICT with 4 in 10 persons living in rural areas possessing radio (Oroyokot, 2003). Nonetheless, in the present age of information revolution, the application of ICTin extension delivery is handy to some extent in a developing country like Nigeria. The revolution is an intervention with the potential to ensure that knowledge and information on improved technologies, methods and practices are put into right use by farmers. Information is an important resource in modern agriculture. Gurstein (2003) emphasized that information and communication have become an increasingly powerful tool for improving the delivery of basic services and enhancing local development opportunities. Recent years have seen increases in the use of ICT in almost all spheres of rural life. Ozor (2005) indicated that rural communities require information among others on supply of inputs, innovations, improved technologies, credit, market prices and competitors. On the other hand, Ani (2007) summarized ICT roles in extension as follows: faster access to expert knowledge and information, faster and more efficient delivery of information, more relevant and adapted content and dissemination of information to people hitherto unreached or underserved and a deeper geographic penetration, especially to rural areas. However, technical development of the ICT devices is increasing much faster than research into their optimal use. This has implications for extension delivery, in that farmers need for information utilization on agricultural improvement is determined for them. Extension delivery itself is entangled in the web of

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Sule, A. M et al:Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 government bureaucratic redtapism. Private sector participation in extension services is either non existent among the small-scale farmers or minimal among the large-scale farmers in Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to popularize the activities of the institute both within and without for more awareness that can lead to more fish farming by men, youth and women for increased production for local consumption and export

METHODOLOGY STUDY AREA Twenty institutions located within the Local Government Headquarters were invited with the option of either coming to the research institute or being met in their own organization. Eight organizations responded immediately. Their choices of training venues were obliged to. There were one hundred and fifty eight people that indicated interest to participate. In view of the number of participants the enlightenment was spread for effective coverage. The first, second and third batches had twenty eight, forty six and sixty eight participants respectively. A week later, four communities jointly sent a letter of request to be enlightened in fish farming. The request was granted and a central venue was fixed at Monai village Model Primary School with sixty participants in attendance. In the whole exercise, a total number of two hundred and twenty participants benefited. The fisheries extension messages covered in the enlightenment/sensitization were: Fish farming and its potentials, needs for fish farming, types of fish farms, requirements for fish farming, water sources and their disadvantages, characteristics of good culture pond and financing fish farm. The ICTs used for the programme were: Digital camera, Video camera, Computer and its accessories and visual aids that showed pictures of:. Types of fish ponds/culture systems, types of culturable fish species, demonstration of results of fish harvest in a fish farm. This was followed by a questionnaire on assessment of the effectiveness of the device, mode of presentation and the participants’ interest and willingness to commence fish farming. This study is a follow-up to ascertain the claims of the participants with regards to their interest to commence fish farming. Borgu lies between Latitudes 9°N and 11° N and Longitude 2°E and 4°E (Musa, 1972). It is bounded to the North by Kebbi State, to the South by Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State, to the west by Benin Republic and to the East by the River Niger and Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. According to the 2006 National Census report, the population of Borgu L.G.A. was 250,336. The

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Sule, A. M et al:Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 sex distribution of the population was estimated at Males: 40% and Females 60%. Age distribution was as follows: 0-15 years 25%, 16-59 years 65% and 60 years and above 10% (NPC. 2006). Crops grown include various varieties of rice, beans, groundnuts, tomatoes, guinea corn, maize, yams, melon, potatoes, cassava, sugarcane, okro, and cotton. Tree crops include mango, cashew, guava and shea butter which provide the raw materials for a cottage industry (edible oil) which is entirely in the hands of women (Musa, 1972). Majority of the crops grown in the area are on subsistence basis except cotton. Borgu adds more value to the nation’s economy as one of the few Local Governments with lot of Federal Government Institutions and Parastatals. The prides amongst others are: Hydro-Electricity Power Generating Station (PHCN), National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, (FCFFT), Federal College of Wildlife Management (FCWM), the Nigerian Airforce Advance Air Weapon School, the 221 Light Tank Battalion of the Nigerian Army and a host of colleges. The Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria’s First Game Reserve which is charged with conserving the vast flora and fauna species of the territory and harnessing these into international standard tourist attractions. It is the sheer vastness and variety of these species, coupled with other natural and man-made curiosities, which have so aptly earned Borgu the appellation, “the Pride of Nature” (Agboarumi, (1997). These organizations have attracted a lot of non-indigenes from all parts of the country and beyond as a result of job postings, professional commitments and business pursuits. There is the added advantage of possible irrigated and fish farming operations at Kainji dam draw- down areas and Swashi dam where water is available and abundant all year round (Damisa, and Nze, 2004). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table1 shows the scenario of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents with specific reference to gender, age, educational attainment, marital status and income. Data on gender shows that the majority of the respondents were men (77%) while the women constituted 23% of the total population of the respondents. Despite the fact that women participants were less than half of the men’s population it is an indication of better prospect for increased interest of women in fish farming. On the age distribution of the respondents, majority (41%) were within the age group of 40-49 years, while 29% of them were within the age range of 30-39 years. While the first group are middle age men and women with renewed interest in fish farming as a livelihood source before and after retirement from government service, the latter are agile and responsive group of youths ready to take risk in fish farming for their socio-economic. In terms of the educational attainment of the respondents, majority (62%) had tertiary education with many graduates and post –graduate degree holders while only 4% had adult literacy. The high literacy level of the respondents is an added advantage since improved educational level tends to facilitate more curiosity and interest in proven aquaculture technology. Data on the household size shows that majority (46.4%) had a household size of 7-9 people. About 29% had household size of greater than 9 people while only 8.2% had a very small household size of less than 3 people. A careful look at the Table shows that over 75% of the participants had a household size of 7 people and above. This implies that more hands will be available for the chacteristic routine nature of fish farming activities in terms of labor need. On the marital status of the respondents, 84.5% were married while only 3.6% were single. This could also be an added advantage in terms of labor supply for fish farming operations. Data on monthly income level of the respondents shows that the majority (37%) were within income range of #20,001-#50,000. However, while 22% of the respondents earned a monthly income of less than #20,000, half of this proportion (11%) had a comparatively higher income of greater than #120,000. The importance of this income distribution to fish farming is that each of the income levels is amenable to alternative fish culture systems such as extensive, semi-intensive or intensive fish farming depending on the individual financial capabilities and choice of culture systems. The highest income category have the

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Sule, A. M et al:Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 financial capability to adopt relatively more expensive culture system such as intensive fish farming while the lower income groups might decide to adopt homestead or semi-intensive culture system.

Table1: Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Gender Men 85 77 Women 25 23 Total 110 100 Age (Years) < 30 15 14 30-39 32 29 40-49 45 41 > 50 18 16 Total 110 100 Educational level Adult literacy 5 4 Primary 13 12 Secondary 24 22 Tertiary 68 62 Total 110 100 Household size < 3 9 8.2 4- 6 18 16.4 7- 9 51 46.4 > 9 32 29 Total 110 100 Marital status Single 4 3.6 Married 93 84.5 Widowed 6 5.5 Divorced 7 6.4 Total 110 100 Income level (monthly) < #20,000 24 22 #20,001- #50,000 41 37 #50,001- #80,000 18 16 #80,001-#120,000 15 14 > 120,000 12 11 Total 110 100

Table 2: Distribution of respondents in various stages of fish farming Stages of Preparedness No of Respondents Percentage (%) Interested but for land 38 35

Acquired land 20 18

Dug earthen ponds 35 32

Stocked ponds 17 15

Total 110 100

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Sule, A. M et al:Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 The different stages of preparedness of the respondents to adopt fish farming are shown in Table 2. While the majority (35%) indicated interest in practicing fish farming but constrained by the wherewithal to acquire land for such purpose, 32% of the respondents had dug earthen ponds of various sizes ranging from 3m by 5m to 30m by 40m preparatory to stocking with fingerlings. Similarly 15% of the respondents had actually stocked their ponds with fingerlings All the respondents stocked their ponds with catfish, thus practice monoculture system. However; only 18% had acquired land but were yet to prepare such lands to ponds. This result clearly shows the effectiveness of the information and communication technology used in sensitizing the respondents that participated in the programme. This is in tandem with Arokoyo (2005) that a strong linkage complimented by flawless information flow, enhanced by the effective use of ICT by the extension service, will significantly boost agricultural production and improves rural livelihoods in developing countries. In a similar vein, Asian Development Bank (ADB, 2003) maintained that, ICT has become a powerful tool in providing developing countries with unprecedented opportunities to meet vital development goals far more effective than before. It has been shown that ICT had been more effective than other communication methods in agricultural extension in developing countries like Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and Uganda in diffusing information to rural communities (Munyua, 2000), asserted that the use of ITC methods in many developing countries by clients is constrained by poverty, illiteracy, poor infrastructural facilities and energy. The use of ICTs in extension delivery is still at its low ebb in Nigeria. However, radio and television made tremendous contributions in extension delivery for sustainable development (Ani, 2007).The ICT particularly, the digital camera with computer facilities, questions and answers services, photographs serve two important different functions of improvement in the process of information transfer and strengthening the motivation to change. However, due to the weak research-extension-farmer linkage, the information content is provider- driven instead of user- driven. A critical problem facing agricultural extension in Nigeria is the insufficient number of agricultural extension workers that provide service to the huge population of farmers. In 1995, Nigeria’s Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) was able to cover 7,809, 500 farm families and operated at the ratio of 1:1,189 farm families. In 1997 Nigeria had 6,563 agricultural extension workers with an extension agent/farm family ratio of 1:1,615 (Agbamu 2005). On the other hand, the ratios for Indonesia, Mexico and Tanzania are 1:1,200, 1: 800 and 1: 1,000 respectively. These are in sharp contrast to 1: 252 and 1: 500 found in Japan and South Korea respectively (Agbamu, 1998). He further contended that by the end of 2003, the ratio of agricultural extension agents to farm families in Nigeria was about 1:1,722. The low awareness level of many farm families in Nigeria could be responsible for the situation where in spite of all the potentials, in artisanal and fish farming Nigeria was placed in the 40th position with 30,677 (0.1%) tones in the world ranking of top 40 aquaculture producing nations (FAO/IFID, Accessed, 2008). Hence, Nigeria remained the highest fish importer in Africa. Computation by the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) 2002) showed that in the last decade (1991-2000) total aquaculture production was 201,707 tonnes of local total fish supply representing 5.3% with an average of 20,171 tonnes per year. Local production is quite low and can not meet up demand. Dada (2004) confirmed that aquaculture potentials of the country have not undergone the degree of development it is to exhibit because less than 1% of the potential is undergoing utilization. In the rural areas, there are pockets of small-scale fish farmers at low levels of intensification and adaptation of the aquaculture innovations and technologies (site selection, pond construction, fertilization, stocking, feeds). The sustainability of fish farming in Nigeria depends on many factors. Chiefly among the factors are, how are the practicing and potential fish farmers reached?, frequency of meeting them, availability of inputs, innovations and technologies. African development lag significantly behind much of Global south despite decades of assorted development approaches and has been receiving increased attention as the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which provide the goals for international effort through 2015 (FAO-FIDI,2003). Fisheries extension in an effort to contribute in the MDG adopted some of the simple ICT tools (video, digital camera, computer, slides) to disseminate fisheries innovations and technologies that place

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Sule, A. M et al:Continental J. Information Technology 3: 1 - 7, 2009 priority on the livelihood systems and ways in which the rural poor can improve their living conditions. The aims are to: find alternative and or additional employment for a large number of fishermen/women, under/unemployed farmers, youth to increase domestic fish production, achievement of self-sufficiency in fish production., modernization of the means of fish production, processing, storage and marketing , rational exploitation and conservation. Food security is the biggest challenge not only to Nigeria but to the developing countries of Africa. There are deficits between food supply and demand in view of population explosion. Food security is about the ability of a household head to either posses or be able to provide the required meals per day in a year. However, communities engaged in small-scale fishing or farming are often poor and are in danger of being further disadvantaged as resources degrade or as large –scale operators dominate land and resource use. CONCLUSION The use of ICT tools in fisheries extension deserve more attention because a picture is worth more than a thousand words and will enable even those constrained by literacy to communicate as its effectiveness is amply demonstrated. RECOMMENDATIONS It is therefore recommended that: 1. Capacity building on the use of ICT tools is imperative for the fisheries extension staff. 2. The clienteles whose interest are being aroused on fish farming equally need some level of training on fish farming management practices. 3. Fingerlings availability should be duely ensured by the institute in order to satisfy the fish seed needs of the fish farmers. REFERENCES Agbamu, J. U.(2005).Problems and Prospects of Agricultural Extension Service in Developing Countries. In: Adedoyin, S. F. (Ed) Agricultural Extension in Nigeria. Published by Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) pp159 - 169. Agboarumi, B.(1997). Borgu, Past, Present and Future. Dada Press Limited. 13 Aduralere Street, Amilegbe Area, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Ani, A. O. (2007) Agricultural Extension: A Pathway for Sustainable Agricultural Development. Apani Publications. A Division of Apani Business and Research Consult. No 27 Bagaruwa Road, Costain, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Arokoyo, T.(2005) Information Communication Technologies(ICTs) Application in Agricultural Extension Delivery. In: Adedoyin, S. F. (Ed) Agricultural Extension in Nigeria. Published by Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) pp245-251.

Asian Development Bank (ADB (2003). A Strategic Approach to Information and Communication Technology Toward e- development in Asia and the Pacific Asian Development Bank.

Dada B. F.(2004). Contribution of Fisheries to Development, National Economy and Food Security in Nigeria. Fish network, Vol 2 (1). Fisheries Society of Nigeria Quarterly Publication.

Damisa, Y. M. and Nze p. N. (2004).Traditional Treasures of Borgu. Dada Press Limited. 13 Aduralere Sreet, Amilegbe Area, Ilorin, Nigeria.

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FAO-FIDI (2003). Report on World Aquaculture Data on Top 40 Producing Nations. Retrieved From httr: 11 www. Fao.org/f:/fishplusresp. Accessed 17 September 2008.

Federal Department of Fisheries(FDF(2001). Fisheries Statistics of Nigeria. PP31 Gurstein, M.(2003). Effective Use: A Community Information Strategy beyond the Digital Divide. Internet http/firstmonday.org/issues812/Gerstein/index.html. Maru, A.(2003). ICTs Transforming Agricultural Extension? Reports of the Preperatory e-consultations, CTA’s ICTs Observatory 2003.

Munyua, H.(2000). Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Development and Food Security: Lessons From Field Experience in Developing Countries, Sustainable Development Dimensions, FAO. Rome, Italy. pp1-12.

Musa, B. I. (1972). Political and Economic Relations in the Bariba States. An Unpublished Ph. D Dissertation Submitted to Department of History. University of Baminghan. pp389.

National Population Commission (NPC(2006). Provisional Report.Plot 2031, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7 Wuse-Abuja, Nigeria.

Oryokot, J.(2003).”The Role of ICTs in the Provision of Agricultural Information and Knowledge to Farmers Under Uganda’s National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) Case Sudy”. Paper Presented at the 6th Consultative Expert Meeting of CTA’s Observatory on ICT’s. Wageninen, September23-25.

Ozor, N.(2005).”Challenges to Effective Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Delivery of Agricultural Extension Service” Paper Presented at the 10th Annual National Conference of Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) in Badeggi, Niger State. June14-17.

Received for Publication: 15/07 /2009 Accepted for Publication: 02/09 /2009 Corresponding Author: Sule, A. M National Institute For Freshwater Fisheries Research, Newbussa, Niger State Nigeria.

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Continental J. Information Technology 3: 8 - 11, 2009 © Wilolud Online Journals, 2009. INFORMATION COMMUNICATION: A KEY TO COPING WITH EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

ON AGRICULTURE IN AFRICAN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Akomolafe Alice Mofesola Federal College of Agriculture Library, Akure.

mofeakk@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT This paper is focused on the reality of global warming in Africa, effects of climate change on cropping systems, food production, mixed agriculture, livestock production systems, pastoral systems and coastal communities based on available data as gathered from various literature. Issues such as vulnerability and risk, land degradation water management, forestry, biodiversity are reviewed. The roles of information and information gap in coping with characteristics of climate change are also reviewed and suggestions proffered on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools as a means of coping with, adapting and militating against the effects of climate change on agriculture.

INTRODUCTION Climate change or global warming as defined by Mastrandea and Schneider (2008), is the measurable increase in the average temperature of earth’s atmosphere, oceans and land masses. Scientists believe that the earth is currently facing a period of rapid warming brought on by rising levels of heat trapping gases known as greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases retain the radiant energy (heat) provided to earth by the sun in a process known as the green house effect. Greenhouse gases occur naturally and without them, the planet would be too cold to sustain life. Mastrandrea and Schneider (2008) further ascertained that human activities have added more and more of these gases into the atmosphere and concluded that there is now undeniable evidence that global temperatures are increasing based on direct temperature measurements, rising sea level, and changes in the life cycles of plants and animals. It is generally believed that the developing countries will suffer more from impacts of global warming than the big polluters in Europe and North America. Vulnerable countries must be assisted to adapt to the new situation through effective dissemination of information to the populace. Farmers, fishermen and rural communities have to be kept informed and supported in identifying methods of adaptation to the changing environment. Information gap is a big problem in achieving this because all plans made or concepts and methods formulated, without the people most affected by climate change being adequately informed will be in vain. This paper sets out to discuss the impacts of climate change on agriculture and examine the role that Information Communication Technology can play in coping with these effects. EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK Scientists have made many projections about how global warming or climate change will affect weather, glacial ice, sea levels, agriculture, wildlife and human health. Many changes linked to rising temperatures are being observed. According to Killmann (2007) the sacking of Rome in the fifth century was as a result of climate change. As a result of the weather in Northern and Central Europe during this period, the region became so in-hospitable that the reduced crop yields forced the inhabitants to move southward, increasing pressures on the Roman Empire. He posits that society; agriculture and the climate are intricately interlinked. Global warming of a few degrees may increase agricultural production, but not necessarily in the same places where crops are grown now. For instance according to United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report (2007), the increased temperatures extend the growing season of trees and plants species

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Akomolafe Alice Mofesola: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 8 - 11, 2009 which once grew in the south of countries of the Northern hemisphere are now spreading towards the North. Southern Canada for instance may benefit from more rainfall and a longer growing season. In France, maize, which is currently cultivated and irrigated in the south, could migrate due to lack of water and milder temperatures to the northern plains over the next century. Cereal output is set to rise in North America, while that of fruit is already growing in France. Production of wheat, maize and pasture land is going to increase. Also, on an overall scale, the agriculture of these regions is going to benefit from the changes, while the dry tropical regions may become further impoverished, because unlike temperate zones, the growing season becomes shorter when the temperature rises. More worrying are changes in the length of the rainy season and rainfall intensity. Since these factors have a direct impact on crops, falling outputs in area where communities rely almost exclusively on agriculture have a devastating effect and Africa is particularly susceptible. According to Marstranrea and Schneider (2008) “farming regions such as California’s central valley that brings in irrigation water from distant mountains may suffer as the winter snow pack, which functions as a natural reservoir melts before the peak growing months. Crops and woodlands may also be afflicted by more insects and plant diseases.” Farmers will need to adapt to the changing conditions such as shifting the types of crops grown or investing in drought or heat – tolerant varieties. Scientists estimate that warming of up to about 5.4 degree Fahrenheit could increase global agricultural potential, but that further warming is likely to decrease these potentials. Production of crops like maize, millet, and rice are likely to decline generally because of shortage of rainfall due to climate change. Researchers at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) as noted in ICT Update(2007), posits that secondary stresses triggered by climate change are likely to include the spread of pest and alien species, biodiversity losses, increase of human and animal diseases and that climate change will affect livestock by changing the yield and nutritional quality of fodder, increasing disease and disease spreading pest, reducing water availability and making it difficult to survive in an extreme environment. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) (2007) studies in Tanzania show that fish production in Lake Tanganyika has dropped dramatically over the past decade due to increased temperatures while the receding of Lake Chad’s water is expected to continue unabated. In many areas in Africa, as the rains diminish and the rainy seasons become fewer and more unpredictable, the types of crops that can be grown become ever more restricted. Water forces cattle and sheep farmers to move to more fertile regions, leading to conflicts over grazing land and water. In Nigeria, climate change related problems include the disappearance of the lake Chad, desert encroachment in various parts of northern Nigeria and its sacking of various communities and villages in the area, sea level rise and coastal erosion in the south west, gas flaring and oil related pollution in Niger Delta region, gully erosion in the south east and the erratic weather conditions in virtually all parts of the country such that farmers no longer know when the planting season commences. ROLES OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION. Farmers and the rural communities require access to information in order to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on agriculture and their general livelihood. They need to know whether the changing circumstance in which they grow their plants or raise their animals is merely a question of variability or permanent change to weather patterns. Specifically, communities across the countries that are most vulnerable need channels through which they can share information on strategies that have worked well for them and to adapt such techniques to their own circumstances whenever possible.. Meteorological information needs to be communicated on time and farmers must be informed of strategies that can help in choosing different crops or changing planting dates according to rainfall predictions. Gathering of weather data information from the grassroots needs to be improved. There is also, the need to provide automatic weather monitoring units in the most vulnerable regions in Africa. It is not only a matter of the centre delivering information to the grassroots but of the grassroots also delivering information back to the centre. Timely information gathering will allow the local planners to make decisions that will minimize the damage of any phenomenon to their communities. People must be warned not only about what will happen tomorrow but also to forecast about things that are going to happen years into the future. This information will help people to take appropriate decisions at appropriate time”.

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Akomolafe Alice Mofesola: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 8 - 11, 2009 THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS. There are various ICT tools that can be used for gathering, analyzing and disseminating information on climatic change. Many of these tools are already put to use in some parts of Africa and other developing countries where the effects of climate change are more pronounced. According to Anders (2007) in Niger Republic, Telecoms Sans Frontiers introduced a satellite communication network that enables agricultural information to be delivered from isolated areas to decision makers in time to prevent the food security crises that emanates from decreased rainfall, soil erosion, degradation and desertification. Previously, this information took weeks to arrive. Also in the Caribbean, Ham radio is being used to pass information from weather stations to local communities and emergency services and back again in order to militate against hurricanes. Web 2.0 could be used to provide information on climate change to farmers and rural communities. Government departments, international agencies and even local NGOs will be able to access the information provided by weather centers and combine it with local data that organizations are already collecting. In addition, ICT tools such as Wikis, Mashups and Blogs provide other means whereby people can examine and make use of the information generated. Saunby (2007) claimed to be working on a particular tool that can measure the impacts of climate change on certain areas along with seasonal weather forecasts for upwards of six months. According to him, these weather details can be merged or mashed up – with other web 2.0 tools such as Google maps or blogs to produce local maps showing, for example how the risk of flooding may increase in the future. Such maps could provide planners with valuable information on where to build new houses or roads. They could also provide farmers with information on where to plant next season’s crops or how best to irrigate their fields. This information could be made available to interested institutions from where it could be disseminated to climate scientist for further research. Apart from the fact that the use of internet tools can help to make climate data relevant to ordinary people by providing farming communities access to the information they need to plan how best to use their land,Web.2.0. will also allow decision makers to formulate worthwhile policies. Computers could be used to produce models of likely weather patterns and this information could be useful for planning responses to the future impacts of climate changes. Also information about climate change can be passed to the rural community through the use of radio, television, posters , bulletins and telephones. THE WAY FORWARD For the use of information communication tools to serve as a means of combating the effect of climate change on agriculture in Africa, a number of things need to be put in place.

• There is the need for government and all stake holders to urgently implement any climate change adaptation measures in Africa. For instance Sirakumar (2007) reports that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) advocated that meteorological networks in Africa should be improved with more stations opened in areas that are critical for a country’s food security using GIS technology to quickly analyze many layers of information on crops, soils, physical infrastructure and so on and identify communities that are most at risk.

• Meteorological stations need to be increased in number to provide sufficient spatial coverage more generally.

• There is the need to put in place a system that ensures that collected data are analyzed and disseminated to farming communities, without delay.

• According to Jarraud (2006) 200 automatic weather units that are equipped with small data loggers that can recover information in units of one minute, 15 minutes or every hour

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Akomolafe Alice Mofesola: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 8 - 11, 2009

• depending on what is needed were said to be needed across Africa. That these automatic weather units speed up the process of providing reliable weather forecasts to rural communities. Data from the monitoring units can be received via satellite or telephone, analyzed and passed on to radio or TV stations which can then pass them on to farmers in the form of bulletins. Moreover, as the data are collected in digital format, they can be fed into computer models to generate climate change scenario.

• Ensuring timely provision of agrometreological forecasts and products on temperature,

rainfall, droughts and floods, crop water use, pests and diseases to assist farmers through the use of ICT tools like the internet, computer, the TV, the radio,etc.

• Providing timely information through the use of ICT to collect, analyze, and disseminate weather information to farmers and the rural community and capacity building must be a priority project for all the tiers of government, the NGOs and all the stake holders.

CONCLUSION It is an established fact that information dissemination plays a major role in coping with the devastating effect of climate change on agriculture and that the role the news media, radio, television, computer and the internet, and the print media play in generating and delivering crucial information on climate change to the communities that need it can not be over emphasized. The best way to generate and disseminate this information is for all agencies and groups including the government, the NGOs, information workers, librarians and all stake holders to collaborate. Meteorological networks should be treated by government the same way as a country’s health system, with its network of hospitals. Dealing with climate change is no different but just as important for our survival if not more so. Therefore, we need to invest in networks that collect the weather data and provide the information when needed. REFERENCES Anders, Gunnartz (2007) “Need to know: communities need information on climate change…. ICT Update issue 35, pp.10. KillMann Wulf (2007) “Climate, ICTs, the FAO and the fall of Rome” ICT Update, issue 35, pp.3-5.. Mastrandrea, Michael and Schneider, Stephen H. “Global Warming” Microsoft @Encarta @ 2009 (DVD) Redmon. W.A: Microsoft Corporation, 2008. Michael Saunby’s personal blog: http://mike saunby.net. UNEP www.unep.org. climate neutral network www.climate neutral.unep.org/cnn.front page. SiraKumar, M. (2007): Africa,s Monitoring Stations: Feeling a Little under the Weather, ICT Update: A Current Awareness Bulletin for ACP Agriculture, 35:12 Received for Publication: 15/07 /2009 Accepted for Publication: 02/09 /2009

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Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 © Wilolud Online Journals, 2009.

ROLE OF LIBRARIES AND THE ACADEMIA IN THE CONTROL OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

1AKINTOLA B.A, 2 OLATOYE T.A, 3 AKALUMHE C.D, 4 PELEMO O.J and 5FAGBAMI O.O. 1, 2, 3 & 4Department of Information & Documentation, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (Headquarters), PMB 5054, Forest Hills, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria. 5. Department of Library Information & Documentation, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (Headquarters), PMB 5244, Onigambari, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: Global climate change has been a global concern to individuals, nations and international organizations in view of its threat to human existence. The average temperature of the earth’s surface increased by an estimated 0.6 degrees Celsius in the 20th century and, according to the most recent projections of the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), carbon dioxide could rise from about 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius above the 1990 average by the year 2100. In view of this alarming statistical realities and projections, this paper evaluates the importance, causes, consequences as well as the role of libraries and the academia in the control of climate change. Furthermore, this paper recommends the need to sensitize the public through education. In addition, this paper recommends the need for continuous cutting-edge sustainable development policies, programmes and research that would engender environmental safety and security. The need for mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as increase in scientific capacity is recommended in this paper. KEYWORDS: Libraries, academia, climate change, mitigation, adaptation, information.

INTRODUCTION Climate is defined as the average weather condition of a place measured over a long period of time, usually 35 years (Olatoye et al, 2007). As time goes on and there occurs variation in this average weather or previously experienced atmospheric condition of a place, we say climate has risen (Tee et al, 2008). The concept may be defined further as a noticeable change (increase) in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses often referred to as “Global Warming” (Badejo et al, 2009). Scientists believe that these noticeable changes specified above are caused by the rising levels of heat-trapping gases known as greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The presence of these gases in the atmosphere is natural; however, since the beginning of the industrial revolution, their increased concentration in the atmosphere is due essentially to human activities. (IPCC, 2001 & 2007). From the foregoing, it is clear that climate change is already here with us. This is made manifest by the observable changes like increased surface temperature of the earth, sea level rise leading to more flooding, and the melting of the polarized ice caps. Others Are changes in rainfall patterns and widespread storms. These changes have far reaching consequences, and they impact directly or indirectly on national and household economies. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PAPER: This paper underscores the importance of libraries and academia in the control of climate change From the foregoing, libraries serve as highly trusted and effective institutions to organize, manage, and store collections of information. On the other hand, the academia conducts scientific evaluations and predictions of the problems associated with climate change. In addition, this paper provides a platform of unifying the roles of libraries and academia as sources of information, control adaptation and mitigation of the environmental phenomena of climate change.

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate change is a deviation from the normal climatic condition of an area due to land, atmosphere, land-ocean and ocean-atmosphere interactions which cause alterations in the balance of gases in the atmosphere, otherwise called radiative forcing factors responsible for global warming and climate change. (Okali, 2004). The effects of climate change include the following:

• Increased Surface Temperature of the Earth: The inter-governmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC, 2007) reported that the average surface temperature of the earth has risen by about 0.7 Celsius degrees. The report further predicts that temperatures may rise by about 3 Celsius degrees by the end of the 21st century, and the tropical and the tropical and subtropical climatic regions would be most affected. By this report, Nigeria and many African countries are likely to suffer the burden of climate change.

• Sea Level Rise and More Flooding: Tide gauge data have shown a global have a global average sea level rise of between 0.1 and 0.2 meters during the 20th century. By the end of the 21st century, sea level rise might hit 0.59 meters (IPCC, 2001). Heat waves and periods of rainfall are very likely to become more frequent. In Nigeria, similar rise are being experienced especially around the coasts and sea ports prominent among which is Lagos and Port-Harcourt areas (Babalola, 2009). The major rivers (the Niger and Benue), and even minor rivers in the country are being overflowed because of the swelling volumes of water in these rivers as against prior experiences.

• Melting of Polar Ice caps: Satellite data have shown probable decrease in snow cover and ice extent by 10% since the late 1960s, and ground-based observations show that there is proof that there has been reduction of about two weeks in the annual duration of lake and river-ice over in the mid and high latitudes of the of the northern hemisphere, over the 20th century. During the same period, widespread retreat in mountain glaciers in non-polar regions was also experienced (IPCC, 2007). Similarly, northern hemisphere spring and summer sea-ice extent has decreased by about 10-15% since the 1950s. IPCC, 2007 also projected that there has been about 40 % decline in the arctic sea-ice thickness during late summer to early autumn in recent decades and a considerably slow decline in winter sea-ice thickness.

• Increases in the Frequency & Intensity of Drought: This is experienced in some regions of like Asia and Africa. In Nigeria, the Sahara Desert is fast encroaching southwards, turning most of the semi-arid regions of the savannah lands into deserts.

LIBRARIES: Historically, it has been the task of libraries to act as the main centers for collecting, making accessible and distributing information in the form of documents. The documentation service must meet special requirements as regards a more detailed recording and deeper accessibility of the contents of the document, as well as providing a quick and efficient dissemination of information. At each level of our educational system, the Library is an invaluable resources center, as well as being the storehouse of information and its unparalleled importance to educational development. The library is commonly referred to as the “heart” of the school system and its book collection, one of the pillars of the whole structure of education (Oguntimehin et al, 2004). The role of library is two-fold- educational and recreational. A wide range of reading/studying is required for any course, research, research or discipline if academic excellence is to be achieved. The information, whether in raw form of empirical data or in the highly processed form we call “knowledge” is regarded as very essential to academic pursuit. Library services/facilities are custodians and dispensers of recorded knowledge in every form. Furthermore, libraries must be adequately equipped, organized, financed and interconnected and their resources are to be available to all people.

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 It is almost impossible to read through the bulk of information that has been published about the developments in the library world and the different types that have emerged. Different types of Libraries have developed in accordance with the needs and requirements facing them, in line with the demands arising from the development of science, technology and research in different countries. This is the reason that no standard library typology can be made, as every library has evolved its own library system. Bearing this limitation in mind, an attempt has been made in the construction of a generalized typology for the classification of libraries as listed below: TYPES OF LIBRARIES: According to the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (1984), the types of libraries include the following: 1. National Libraries: These are deposit libraries containing national bibliographies, central catalogues,

etc.

2. Libraries of International Organizations, such as the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), etc.

3. Academic & University Libraries: These include university/college libraries, polytechnic libraries and libraries of attached research institutes.

4. Special Libraries: These are libraries organized under the sponsorship of a parent enterprise or organization which provides the funds for its support and continuance. Furthermore, they are assigned the mission of acquiring, organizing and providing access to information and knowledge so as to further the goals of its parent enterprise or organization. Examples of these include government libraries (in courts, ministries), libraries of independent research institutes, libraries of business enterprises (private and international, private and public) and libraries of non-profit organizations.

5. Public Libraries: These are libraries open to members of the public which provide information on wide-ranging topics.

THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES AS SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Libraries serve as highly trusted and effective institutions to organize, manage, and store collections of information (Akintola et al, 2009). Librarians and information professionals are primary gateways to these collections and the services and resources supporting them. International research agendas and policy initiatives related to global change provide libraries and librarians new opportunities for identifying, obtaining, managing, storing, and disseminating current data and information in new formats and through new channels of communication. For example, Librarians have played important roles in the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Global Change Data and Information System (Stoss, 2000). Their expertise has been used to: develop metadata and data standards and directories, build Web pages (including their search capabilities, menu-driven interfaces, and content), improving access to data and information resources via the Internet and World Wide Web. Librarians have also lead data and information management activities to improve identification of, access to, and sharing of electronic and print forms of data and information. However, new opportunities also come with new barriers to change. These barriers represent limitations to convey our scientific understanding of complex phenomenon (such as climate change), inadequacies in (and access to) the technologies needed to obtain and organize scientific and policy data and information, and our ability to effectively and efficiently share data and information in an equitable manner. International global change research programs provide libraries and librarian’s new roles and responsibilities to facilitate the sharing of data and information resources across disciplines, lines of work, and personal agendas. This presentation will examine the roles of librarians in sharing data and information resources and how public, academic, government agency, and special libraries can be used as active partners with research and policy communities in sharing global climate change data and information.

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 Ready and reliable access to data and information is increasing in importance as an integral part of the environmental decision-making process. Research results, regulatory requirements, policy, initiatives, and increased public awareness and concern about the issues related to global climate change have a dramatic impact on constituent groups. Project managers, business leaders, research scientists, policy analysts, program administrators, elected officials, educators and their students, and the concerned citizen need efficient, effective, and equitable access to data and information to adequately address their issues related to climate change. Their need for new data and information products, new publications and documents, new reference and referral services, and new data and information delivery services is a challenge for today’s librarians and information professionals. Librarian developing and providing such services and programs for this multidisciplinary audience are building bridges to facilitate information, communication, and education gaps between constituent groups and foster a greater cross-disciplinary exchange of information, resources (materials and expertise), and ideas. Today’s librarians find themselves in roles far removed from the traditional roles as cataloguers, indexers, and collection caretakers. Their skills are needed to collaborate with researchers, policy makers, educators, administrators, and executive as they evaluate software for data and information management • Develop profiles of information products, research projects, business plans. • Oversee the production of reports, reference books, Web sites, and other information tools. • Develop and maintain databases. • Write articles and reports. • Provide training in the use of manual- and online data and information systems. • Develop marketing strategies for the effective delivery of products and services. There are, however, barriers that prevent the efficient, economic, and equitable access to data and information resources. SCIENTIFIC BARRIERS TO CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION: International scientific research programs spanning decades in their duration have contributed greatly to our understanding of the biogeochemical dynamics of the Earth’s biotic and abiotic resources (Stoss, 2000). This research effort presents a tremendous challenge in the understanding of the complex nature of ecological systems and their interactions. These interactions involve mechanics and dynamics of chemical, biological, physical, and social sciences from the depths of the ocean to the upper reaches of the Earth’s atmosphere (Olatoye et al, 2008). The worldwide global change research programs struggle with these scientific and technical complexities which are exacerbated by issues of scale from regional to national to global dimensions; and issues of scale that range from the immediate to several centuries in duration between cause and effect. As our resolution for measuring and predicting change increase so does the need for sophistication of information and information delivery systems increase. The issues of spatial and temporal change are among the most difficult to convey even among scientific disciplines. These issues are often cited as causing tremendous degrees of confusion among non-scientific audiences, including those who are called upon to make critical decisions about research priorities, strategies for remediating problems, revising the allocation and uses of natural resources. Along each step in the research and policy process is the need for information that, according to Root (1992): • is reliable • covers adequately the subject area for which information is needed

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 • is accessible to those who need it • is understandable to those who wish to use it HOW LIBRARIES OVERCOME SCIENTIFIC BARRIERS TO CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION It is a great challenge for our libraries and librarians to assure access to and discern the quality of climate change data and information that stands up to the measures of reliability, adequacy, accessibility, and comprehension. Librarians serve as stewards of the information and knowledge base of their library’s holdings through strategies they employ in developing collections of books, technical reports, research journals, monographs, reference works, and other forms of print and non-print resources (including electronic and digital resources). Library collections are developed through cooperation and idea sharing among librarians (who identify and obtain information) and researchers, policy makers, educators, managers, and others who state specific information needs. Librarians rise to the challenge with a variety of tools: catalogues, indexes and abstracts, reviews, peer-exchanges, recommendations, and their own in-depth, academic understanding of the subject matter, to facilitate the building of library collections. The development of subject- and issue-specific library collections is a basic function of librarians, and one that has tremendous potential for interactions among librarians and other segments of the community of information users. Of particular interest is the professional working relationships librarians develop among peers and other practitioners in research, education, and policy settings. It is through these relationships that librarians are guided in the selection of data and information resources appropriate for the users of their library. The need for librarians to network among their peers, producers and publishers of information, and their user communities will determine the success with which they are able to meet specific data and information needs that often cross lines of disciplinary study in the applied, life, physical, and social sciences. A major extension of library collection development comes into play when a library does not have immediate access to a desired piece of information. Librarians may employ a number of time-honored referral services, based primarily on their personal knowledge of where appropriate data and information resources are found. In this context the professional networking among librarians is essential to facilitate a cross-disciplinary exchange of resources .The most visible library resource-sharing program is the international arrangement honoring interlibrary loans (ILLs). As defined by the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States, 1993, “Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library requests materials from, or supplies materials to, another library. The purpose of interlibrary loan as defined by this code is to obtain, upon request of a library user, materials not available in the user’s local library. Most libraries extend the limits of their collections by making a full range of interlibrary loan (ILL) services available to their users. Limited ILL services may be extended to those not officially belonging to a library’s user community. The services provided through various consortia and lending networks are governed by the conditions set by the interlibrary loan code of the American Library Association and by the regulations of individual lending libraries. Requests for photocopies may fall under the restrictions imposed by the federal copyright guidelines enacted in 1976 (Title 17 U.S. Code). These services may be provided free of charge to the user (typically in academic and school libraries), are provided on a cost recovery basis, or may be used to provide a revenue-generating function for the library. Informal referral services are another tool librarian’s employ to provide a user with resources not held in their library. Such referral services are based on the librarian’s knowledge of where specific data and information resources are or most likely will be found. Directories of information resources, research centers, special library collections and special librarians, data archives and information analysis center are among the most frequently used tools for providing referral services. It is, therefore, necessary for the librarian to have a working knowledge of the special collections of other libraries, national and World Data Centres, information clearinghouses, data archives, and information analysis centres. This networking among librarians is developed through participation in the professional associations as societies of librarians and data and information managers. Another aspect of library collection development activities is the creation of subject-specific Web sites of Internet and World Wide

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 Web resources. These library Climate Web Pages tend to reflect the specific research and education missions of the institutions in which the library is located. TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS TO CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION & LIBRARY SOLUTIONS: In recent years the computer, in all of its variations from pocket/palm units to large, multi-tasking, networked, supercomputers, has been the very heart of the current information revolution. The topic of climate change has been described as one of the most scientifically and technically complex research investigation undertaken in history. It is certainly the most data and information intensive studies ever undertaken. The combination of highly complex data and information resources, the need for sophisticated computer hardware and software to collect, manage (organize), evaluate, display, store, identify, retrieve, disseminate, and archive these data and information resources provides one of several technological barriers to information. The first barrier is access to the technologies delivering data and information resources from those that generate the data and information to those that need it. Libraries at all levels - school, academic, government, public, and other special libraries - overcome this barrier by providing computer hardware and software, and training for their effective use. From elementary schools to university research libraries the acquisition of computer technologies grows at astronomical proportions. However, there is, at the same time, a schism developing creating a new dimension to the barrier of access to information technologies - those that have the technologies and those that do not. There are several factors that facilitate the means for overcoming this barrier. The efforts for providing grants for the purchase of computer hardware and software include those of the Gates Foundation for public libraries, and the efforts undertaken through individual state, county, municipal governments and school districts to seek funding for the public and school libraries they support. There have been several initiatives to bring specific software capabilities and technical expertise into libraries. GIS Literacy in Libraries http://www.arl.org/spec/238fly.html was a joint effort by the Association of Research Libraries and the Environmental Science Research Institute (ESRI) sponsored program to introduce GIS technologies in libraries with grants for hardware, software, and training of librarians. Librarians, especially those working in or with federal agencies funding and conducting climate change research, have made significant strides in providing institutional support for library-access to climate change data and information resources, services, and products. Realizing that the primary role of libraries is to organize, manage, and store collections of data and information resources, librarians representing various constituents of the U.S. Global Change Data and Information Systems created the Library Information Subgroup of the Global Change Data Management Working Group. Highlights of this Library Information Subgroup include the following action items (Rand, 1995): GCDIS Thesaurus Project (1993): This action involved the development of alternatives to controlled vocabulary keywords. Existing keyword vocabularies, dictionaries, and glossaries were used to develop and enhance a natural language access to the growing Global Change Master Directory (a NASA/GCDIS-supported access portal to data and information resources). Assisted Search for Knowledge (ASK, 1994-1995) The fundamental concept behind ASK was the development of a prototype system linking databases “diverse in format and content over the Internet while enabling users with different skills, needs, and access methods to obtain relevant information from these databases by using natural language inquiry and a common user interface” (Rand, 1995).

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 Global Change Master Directory (1989-present) The GCMD is one of NASA’s contributions to the GCDIS effort. It offers a comprehensive source of information about the worldwide holdings of Earth science data and information resources for science, research, policy, and education communities. LASR - Library Access, Search, and Retrieval Pilot Project (1994-1996) Developed at the University of Virginia LASR provided a network of public libraries, public schools, a community museum, environmental groups, community colleges, four-year liberal arts colleges, and research universities. LASR was created as a test structure to investigate the access to data and information resources across disciplines and information needs, and demonstrate a mechanism for collaboration and resource sharing in a networked environment. Other more technical aspects of the Library Information activities include the following: • Management of metadata • Development and implementation of data and information standards for GCDIS project. • Conversion of data sets, data files, and other information resources from DIF (Directory Interchange Formats) to USMARC format. • Working with USGCRP’s Global Change Education and Communications Working Group development of “Project Earthlink” (K-14 education and information awareness). • Participating in the development of the National Information Infrastructure’s Government Information Locator Service.

THE ROLE OF THE ACADEMIA IN THE CONTROL OF CLIMATE CHANGE. For the studies of these global issues, contributions from academia are vital. An example of this is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has achieved a great success in conducting scientific evaluations and predictions of the problems associated with climate change, the role of leading research universities is enormous. The issue of global sustainability is multi-faceted and the realization of sustainable earth calls for the academia to put its intellectual resources together; thus leading research universities now must join forces to form a new framework. As the G8 nations are expected to play the leadership role in this field, the G8 University Summit aims to make international contributions representing academia through inter-university cooperation to achieve the sustainability of the global, social and human systems and their mutual relationships. Education is another important role that these leading research universities play in achieving the goals such as those described above. To realize sustainability, an approach with a super-long term perspective spanning the entire 21st century must be taken, and the next generation must be educated to carry on the objectives accordingly. We believe that the promotion of education on sustainable development and construction of an international network through the cooperation of leading research universities in the developed countries, including the G8 nations, and major emerging economies, including China and India, will contribute enormously to the establishment of a sustainable society including achieving the goal of millennium development. RECOMMENDATIONS and CONCLUSION The impact of climate change is of major importance to future human welfare. Many potential problems such as decreases in vegetal productivity and environmental degradation may result from climate change. From the foregoing, the following suggestions are made in order to curtail the effects of climate change:

• There is need for sensitization/awareness through education. It is a very important modality of disseminating information to the grassroot. An understanding of climate change is important for encouraging and implementing appropriate adaptations. Information needs to be disseminated concerning: - The nature of climate change and its potential to cause problems in all aspects of life. - The potential impacts both in the short and long-term; - Adaptation options available to man.

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AKINTOLA B.A et al.,: Continental J. Information Technology 3: 12 - 20, 2009 This can be achieved through the print and electronic media, by governments, International Organizations, NGOs, CBOs and the academia. Others include public outreach programmes, national campaigns, presentations and stakeholder workshops on climate change issues.

• There is need for the continuous provision of cutting-edge sustainable development policies, programmes and research that would engender environmental safety and security. Examples of these include the adoption of sustainable forest management options , reduction of carbon emissions, carbon sequestration, adoption of best farming techniques, afforestation, reforestation, sustainable harvesting methods, agroforestry, forest protection and sustainable production of wood fuels, just to mention a few.

• Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies: These are two approaches that are needed to tackle climate change. Mitigation strategies are actions that tackle the causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation strategies are actions that minimize the consequences of actual and expected changes in the climate, such as the strengthening of traditional coping mechanisms.

• Increasing Scientific Capacity: Increasing scientific capacity by improving access to climate data, development of modeling capabilities and having mechanisms in place to process and disseminate the data for users, helps promote awareness of potential climate change impacts. It also equips nations with climate information necessary for national impact assessments, and adaptation and development planning, hence, increasing their capacity to adapt.

• Information networking: This should be encouraged between government (at federal, state and local levels), non-governmental organizations, media, libraries, academia and environmental information societies. Such synergy will be enhanced through the establishment of a National Information Centre on Climate Change. This establishment will be saddled with the generation, collation, storage, evaluation and supply of information and the formulation of policies on climate change control/ environmental management and protection.

• It is also recommended that the National Policy on Environment be reviewed to incorporate mitigation and adaptative measures that would combat issues on climate change.

REFERENCES Akintola B.A.; Olatoye T.A.; Akalumhe C.D.; Pelemo O.J. & Fagbami O.O (2009): Information and Awareness Strategies on Climate Change: Prospects for Nigeria. Published in the Journal of Library & Information Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University Library, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. (January, 2009).

Badejo S.O.O; Akintola B.A; Olatoye T.A & Pelemo O.J (2009): Building Nigeria’s Capacity to Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change: Published in the 2nd Annual Proceeding of the Institute of Environment & Ecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, held in June 9-11, 2009.

Babalola F.D (2008): Impacts of climate change on biodiversity (Proceeding of the 1st Annual Conference of the Institute of Ecology & Environmental Studies, Institute of Environment & Ecology, Obefemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 2008).

CTA (1984): Proceedings of the Seminar on Scientific & Technical Information for Agricultural & Rural Development, held at Montpellier, France (Vol. 1).

ESRI, 2006: GIS Literacy in Libraries http://www.arl.org/spec/238fly.html A joint effort by the Association of Research Libraries and the Environmental Science Research Institute

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IPCC Third Assessment Report (2001): Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability. Library of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Headquarters, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Oguntimehin Y.A & Adeyemi O. (2004): Functional Library School System: A Major Success Tool for an Effective Universal Education Programme. Journal of Library & Information Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. (Dec. 2004).

Okali D.U (2004): National Environmental Study Action Team Publication.

Olatoye T.A. & Pelemo O.J. (2007): Climate Change and sustainable forest management. Olatoye T.A. & Pelemo O.J. (2008): Causes and implications of climate change in Nigeria. Published in the 32nd Annual Proceeding of Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), in October 20-24, 2008.

Rand R.Y (1995): Assisted Search for Knowledge: Bulletin of the American Institute for Information. Root (1992): Research and Policy Process Stoss F.R (2000): Global Climate Change Information: The Role of Libraries in Removing Barriers to Information. Received for Publication: 15/07 /2009 Accepted for Publication: 02/09 /2009 Corresponding Author AKINTOLA B.A, . Department of Information & Documentation, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (Headquarters), PMB 5054, Forest Hills, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria. E-MAIL: akinb2004@yahoo.com