Doctoral thesis
This study explored the nexus of Information Communication Technology (ICT)
tools, public engagement and sustainable water resources in the Lake Victoria Basin
(LVB) as determinants of relevance. Two socio-technical theories, Technological
Acceptance Model (TAM) and Relevance Theory (RT) were used in an
encapsulation fashion. This approach is proposed to guide mixed methods research at
the base of pyramid of a developing country. The study locations were Ilemela,
Nyamagana and Kwimba districts of Mwanza region in the LVB. Data were
collected using mixed methods including systematic literature review, survey, focus
group discussions, key informant discussions and observations. Data were analysed
using meta-analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis as well as content
analysis.
Results from systematic literature review and meta-analysis validated the local
criteria for ICT tools through comparison with those in use in the Southern Africa’s
water bodies while also contributing to the multi-criteria measurement of relevance.
Associations between ICT tools and public engagement as well as with sustainability
indicators revealed some missing links. Results showed that where the mobile phone
dominated other ICT tools, relevance was perceived high across activities. However,
where there were other ICT tools which were dominant; relevance was perceived as
medium to low. Despite better perceived link and therefore higher relevance between
ICT tools and public engagement activities, bad was perceived between the latter and
sustainability indicators. Barriers to such lower relevance in the whole continuum
were attributed to low levels of infrastructural investment, low motivation,
inadequate capacity of respondents, and some legal and regulatory issues pertaining
to online engagement. The associations between ICT tools and public engagement
activities on one hand and between public engagement and sustainability indicators
of water resources on the other were used to develop the Simple Relevance
Evaluation Logic Template (SRELT).
The study concludes that although theory encapsulation could be a useful theoretical
approach, it needs further testing in different settings to validate its wide application
in information systems research. In relevance evaluation methodology, the study
concludes that combining three different criteria improved the judgements on
significance of the relationships. On criteria validation, the study concludes that
identified criteria can be used in water basins across Southern Africa in research on
relevance of ICT tools. On associations between tools and public engagement as well
as between public engagement and sustainability indicator, the study concludes that
the former are much stronger than the latter. There are barriers at each node that need
to be addressed to improve the whole linkage. SRELT provides some preliminary
guides about tools, activities and indicators of priority.
The study provides specific recommendations to actors including community
members, policy makers, practitioners and research scientists. Some of them include
improving the ICT relevance through addressing the barriers, consider SRELT as
potential start point for a relevance evaluation framework, and utilize the findings
while also learning for improvement. SRELT is further proposed to (i) show the
perceived linkages among the three factors amid existing barriers, and (ii) act as a
tool for further research, innovation and development initiatives across actors in
water resource management and sustainable development.