Bridging the Gap: Information Dissemination and Utilization Among the Munda Tribe of Mayurbhanj

LIBRARY HERALD

Year : 2026, Volume : 64, Issue :2

First page :(203)Last page :(213)

Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469.

Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-2469.2026.00018.7

Bridging the Gap: Information Dissemination and Utilization Among the Munda Tribe of Mayurbhanj

Ramdas Tudu1, Jayendra Kumar Singh2

1 Research Scholar, School of Library & Information Science, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, India

2 Asst. Professor, School of Library & Information Science, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, India

Abstract

This study takes into consideration the dissemination and use arrangements of information among the Munda tribe of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, thereby bringing in to the limelight the interplay between conventional knowledge systems and emerging digital platforms. The study further implements interspersed-procedures method. This technique combines surveys along with interviews and focus on group discussions, as well as field observations for investigating information dissemination preferences and access barriers along with population-specific manners. Even in the present-day scenario, age-old knowledge is still the most universally used information source (35%), yet mobile applications (15%) and internet-based sources (12%) are becoming more accepted by people under 35 years old (80%). Information access is still limited due to four large obstacles, which are digital illiteracy (30%), language constraints (25%), economic limitations (20%), and infrastructural deficits (15%). Based on the observations of the study, senior citizens (50%) and the female population (45%) prefer relying on conventional systems, yet agricultural workers (60%) and students under 20 years (80%) display a higher inclination toward digital information channels. The research reveals the necessity and the importance to implement information dissemination processes that merge digital educational programs with Indigenous knowledge sharing practices for maximizing accessibility. According to the study, policy interventions must converge on creating easy language information services. At the same time, formulating technology to be affordable to the public using local community digital education systems, which efficiently secures the information gap. Future research must investigate participatory digital interventions through community-driven digital platforms using mobile-based advisory services since they serve the tribal communities by supporting cultural knowledge systems while providing power to them.

Keywords

Munda Tribe; Information Dissemination; Digital Literacy; Traditional Knowledge; ICT Adoption; Indigenous Communities